Paul wrote many letters to many churches while he was in jail – or house arrest. Philippians was written to the church in Philippi, a church he founded on his second missionary journey, making it the first church established on the continent of Europe.
Paul begins with the endearing words; I thank my God in all my remembrance of you… Paul loved the Christians at the church in Philippi and he had many happy memories of them. He was very grateful to them for the generosity they showed him, and he was thankful to God for working through them. They had partnered with Paul in spreading the Gospel by backing him financially. They trusted him and had faith in God.
Paul spoke of offering this prayer with joy, even though he was imprisoned and possibly facing execution. That seems like some of the worst circumstances anyone could face, yet Paul was joyful when he was praying for the church. He was joyful because of the unity he saw in their congregation as they worked together.
It wasn’t about Paul boasting in joy over what he had created among the believers in that church. He was joyful because of what God had done among them and their obedience and surrender to His leading. They were unified. They were unified in several things as a result of their submission to God and this is what brought Paul such joy in the midst of such personal hardship.
One of the ways they were united was in their participation of the Gospel. They were active in their faith and beliefs and committed to spreading the Gospel. They helped Paul financially and they physically went out and shared the Gospel themselves. This is the most important thing we are called to do as Christians. We do many other things like meet physical needs, but Jesus’ last words to His disciples – and to us – were to go and make disciples. He tasked us with the honor of carrying on the work of the Kingdom that He started while here on earth.
Brother Van talked about koinonia being fellowship that is never passive. It is always linked to action, not just being together, but also doing together. We have work to do. Bible study and worship and fellowship are amazing gifts, and it is how we make it through this life. But He uses us to do the work of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. The result is two-fold because the blessing we will receive from doing His work, together with our brothers and sisters in Christ, will fill our hearts and propel us onward.
Paul’s joy was made complete, as the church in Philippi came together in unity, and I can only imagine the joy it brings the Father and the Son to see the body of Christ today coming together in unity today to do the work He called us to do.
