The epistle for Trinity 19 in Year A is Phil 4.1–9. This reading follows on from the previous teaching about ‘having your citizenship in heaven’ and expounds what that means.
But the passage starts with an extraordinary expression of Paul’s affection for his readers in Philippi, and concludes with a challenging expression of how he offers them a model to follow in his own life.
In between, he applies his teaching from earlier in the letter to specific situations in the community, and shows how the distinctive lifestyle of the kingdom is culturally relevant.
For the Grove booklet on Israel-Palestine, see here.
For the discussion of whether Euodia is in fact Lydia with Richard Fellows, see here.
For video discussion of the gospel reading, Matthew 22.1-14, the parable of the wedding banquet, see here.
And for written discussion of it, see here.
Buy me a Coffee
Yes the ending of CH.3 is the foundation and completion [perfecting] of our Salvation,
it is our Sabbath rest.
Therefore “How might we well build upon that foundation to be built up into a Holy Temple,
A Place of God’s and our Rest, a Bethel , a Bethany ?
Paul reflects perhaps on Psalm 118 the last of the Halal ( Praise ) psalms.
Some see this a psalm at the joyful completion of the rebuilding of the 2nd
Temple builders.
Others see it as the psalm that Jesus sang with his deciples at the end of the Passover meal it being the last psalm in that festival feast.
What is left to us is to enter his courts with thanksgiving, to celebrate
The Eucharist.
[ The word “Eucharist” comes from the Koine Greek word eucharistia (εὐχαριστία), which literally means “thanksgiving” or “gratitude”.
For my part I always approach the priest with a short audible prayer of thanksgiving for an aspect of Christ’s perfect works.
Paul in exhortation urges the church to stand fast (immovable) in all the will
(pleasure ) of God.
Is our House and are our homes a Bethany or are we just play actors ?
Paul is well aware of the optics that a warring “leader” and fellow workers
are a reproach in any place, perhaps as in another church ending in the
arms of lawyers, striving about the law,
“Why not choose rather to be defrauded” exhorts Paul.
Here Paul counsels “be not anxious about anything” Ch.4:6
As one puts it “Don’t tell God that you have a Big problem
Tell your problem that you have a Big God.
It’s His Church and His responsibility to administer it.
Follow me for I follow Christ (who was crucified in weakness but raised in power) for the peace of God will be with you
Paul was an Overcomer, A hero of faith and the faith. We are called to the heroic following of Christ who always leads us around in Victory
As one hymn puts it “Call out the mighty men of war, get ready”
Paul conquered on his knees Phil. 4 v 6 . God is holding out for a hero to be glorified in;
, “He’s Got to be strong and he’s got to be bold and he’s got to be up for the fight” (Bonny Tyler) and ultimately “ fought the fight “. Shalom.
If you are looking for a hero and the heroics of faith overcomer’s ;
Perhaps launch out @ Heroes and Champions /Topical Encyclopaedia
@ Biblehub
Or deeper @ “How Does the Bible Define a Hero? Because We Need True Heroes More Than Ever. @
https://institutefc.org/how-does-the-bible-define-a-hero-because-we-need-true-heroes-more-than-ever/
Fight the Good Fight.
Whatever. 🙂 Did you know that from 1934 to 1948 the motto of the BBC was ‘Quaecunque;, the first word in Latin versions of Philippians 4.8, as the intended content of broadcasting.
How much of this Greco-Roman- Jewish list of virtues would pass the bar today?
Whatever, does not imply pointing out other folk’s short comings in their thinking which results in language and deplorable actions.
We have enough on to regulate our own thoughts and not allowing that little member to be set on fire by hell. {James}
If one can govern that said member, we are really mature (perfect) people.
Hence Jesus “Keep the heart for out of it are the Issues of life. As a man thinks so he is, etc.
“Allow/ let this mind be in you” as he says elsewhere.
A sanctified mind leads to a holy (peaceful) life, guarded by God.
In the prayer of the Psalmist for Divine guardianship. Psalm 141.
“Let my prayer be counted as incense before You;
The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering.
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips [to keep me from speaking thoughtlessly].
Are our thoughts and prayers as incense before God? A sweet-smelling savour.
A restless mind is a sea casting up mire (James) Shalom.
This passage, for me, dovetails quite markedly with this week’s
Gospel reading;
In this one respect aka ATTITUDE as in verse 8 one could do a whole series on that !
How we “clothe” ourselves [Remembering that God looks on the heart]
God is very particular about clothing, one cannot appear before Him in any fashion we chose.( Lev 16:4 ) and ( Deut 22:5 )
At this wedding the dress code is the clothing provided that must be worn, just turning up “as you are” is verboten .
Whose clothing is the hidden man of the Heart. One can discern quite a lot from a persons attitude, Jesus certainly did !
Our thinking develops our attitudes towards God and our neighbours . The “ imaginations of our heart” are of particular interest to God.
He is interested in what we “Put on” (there is another series)
Paul in Colossians 3 emphasises thus –
Col 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness,
long-suffering;
Col 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Shalom.
Clement looks very much like Luke, as this would explain why he can be singled out without causing offence to the others. The name “Luke” was an abbreviated or Aramized form of the name Lucius, a Latin praenomen. So his name would be Lucius Clement. Paul seems to be saying that Euodia and Syntyche had struggled alongside Paul, just as Luke had done.
I am increasingly convinced that persecution is the background to 3:20-4:9 (which should not be sub-divided in any way). Here, as elsewhere, Paul urges rejoicing in the context of persecution. Euodia and Syntyche struggled alongside Paul when he was the target of persecution, so yokefellow (whether he is one person or represents many) should struggle alongside them to help them stand firm and united in the face of opposition that is trying to intimidate them.
Thanks Richard. I confess I find your argument about names more persuasive than others do!
I realise it is speculative—but it is speculation that makes sense!
My mother renamed Euodia and Syntyche “You-odious” and “Soon-touchy”, character names many might recognise from experience in church congregations!
Paul, had a more positive view of Euodia. He alludes to he name in 4:18 with the words ὀσμὴν εὐωδίας (fragrant offering).