What If We Didn't Have Philippians, Pt 3
Literary and the So What?
If you missed the previous two posts discussing the topic, the historical context, and the theological content, click here for part 1 and here for part 2.
“If the church didn’t have this book of the Bible you’ve been studying, what would they be missing out on?” - Dr. Terry Eves
Literary (How Does Paul Say It?)
Language of the Parousia—otherwise referred to as the Second Coming of Christ—is not just hinted at in Philippians 3:20. There are aspects of the Lord’s Second Coming throughout the entire letter.
Paul brings “the Day of Christ” into the reasoning of his exhortations from the very first section (1:6, 10). The wonderful example of Christ’s humiliation to exaltation even ends with a nod to that coming day (2:10–11). Paul’s call for believers to shine bright in a dark world revolves around Paul’s hope not to have uselessly labored in the gospel when the Day of Christ comes (2:16). After the statement in 3:20 we arrive at our statement of this series in 4:5 (“The Lord is at hand”). In between 3:20 and 4:5 Paul also makes a reference to the book of life—a book that stands in context to the Day of Judgement (for instance, see Rev. 3:5; 13:8).
Apocalyptic language runs throughout the letter’s imperatives!
In Sum (For What Purpose Is All This?)
You may still be asking the question: So what, Kyle?
Yes, Paul was writing from prison, but we have other letters from Paul in prison (for instance, see Eph. 3:1; Col. 4:18; Philem. 1:9).
Yes, there are discussions of action instead of stagnation on account of the Lord’s soon coming, but we have other letters that do that (for instance, see 2 Thess.).
Yes, there are conversations of unity amongst brothers and sisters in Christ, but we have others still (for instance, see 1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:1–16).
So, why then does the church need the Letter to the Philippians?
The letter exhorts us to rejoice and be prayerful in all circumstances because of the nearness of the Lord—of His imminent return—and of our bearing fruit by, through, and for Christ (see 1:10–11 with 4:17–20. More on this connection coming in a later post!). The church would lack a necessary call for the kind of character we should uphold as we await the soon-to-be Parousia: brothers and sisters in Christ, live in joy and fellowship. Do not be disconnected. Rather, be of one mind! The Lord is near; why do you dispute with one another?
Here’s what I really want you to get, church:
Eschatological thought and discussion must lead us to eschatological action.
What is eschatological action? For one, according to Paul in Philippians, eschatological action means rejoicing, living in joy, coming together in fellowship with your Christian brothers and sisters, and humbling yourself as you pursue and produce fruits of righteousness by, through, and for Christ.
There is an already/not-yet nature to this peace. The Lord is with you presently, and He will soon return in fullness of glory and splendor.
Go forth in fruitful labor (See 1:11, 22; 4:17)!
The church needs the Letter to the Philippians; otherwise, the church would miss out on a letter illustrating how the church should live in immense joy with the imminent return of Christ before their eyes.
Interested in another book of Scripture? Click here for the previous, long-form post on “What If We Didn’t Have Genesis?”