MATL - Philippians Reflection

Prompt: Reflect on the major theological themes in Philippians I.

Continuing the theme established throughout our study of Paul, the Letter of Paul to the Philippians presents a theological discourse in discipleship and community and identity formation.  The letter is considered largely warm and positive in tone; despite the time it spends contemplating possible execution of Paul and the existential nature of his existence.  Though Paul debates his own mortality and his desire to join Jesus in salvation, he also continues to offer advice and wisdom to his readers as both an encouragement and entreaty to remain faithful to their path.

Paul’s use of a hymn in the letter is “one of the most poetic passages in all Paul’s writings,” and serves as an insight for the reader into the language and ritual of the early Christians. The imagery and style of the hymn is reminiscent of the Nicene Creed used in contemporary Catholic mass, though the content is different. As with the Nicene Creed, this hymn outlines the major beliefs of the community it serves- in this case, the belief and imagery of Christ as a being possessing equal status with God, who willingly humbled himself and embraced the will of God as an example to all humanity how best to follow God and come to Salvation.  The imagery of complete subservience to God’s will both calls forth the Hebrew Bible teachings of Covenant and obedience (thus illustrating Paul’s own background and heritage) and also sets the stage for the later works of Mark and his interpretation of discipleship.

Paul spends significant time exploring the idea that Jesus’ life should be imitated by his followers (Kugler/Hartin, 450.) Again, readers outside of Paul’s intended audience can appreciate the symmetry of Paul’s words to those of the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, and to some extent even John.  Paul’s intended audience receives this advice without the context of the gospels, of course, but it serves the same purpose.  In outlining the importance of following Jesus’ path as a requisite of salvation, Paul provides a concrete example and expectation for his audience: it is not enough to merely believe or provide devotion, but one must willingly follow God’s interests rather than one’s own. This is, of course, a theme that occurs throughout the entire Bible, beginning with Abraham’s obedience to sacrifice his own son.

Paul wrote the letter from prison, exploring his own mortality and the possible consequences of his mission. He explores the rewards of death in the service of Christ as a parallel to Christ’s own service and obedience to God.  To Paul’s audience, this served as a reminder of the expected and possible outcomes of following Christ’s path, and as a reassurance that all would ultimately be well, even in the faith of death.  To those outside of Christianity, and perhaps even to a modern reader, this passage seems somewhat self-deluded or extremist. It is interesting to consider how Paul must have appeared to his opposition- while his devotion and faithfulness are a credit and inspiration for believers, his passion may also ring of zealotry to a non-believer.

Of course, this also contributes to Paul’s intentional community and identity building.  Serving as such an effluent and effervescent example discipleship would reinforce the tendencies of those who already converted, and perhaps appeal to those looking for a revolutionary sense of community or belonging.  Though the theme of community building is not as prominent in this letter as in Thessalonians, it is clearly a favorite theme of Paul’s.

Overall, I have struggled with Paul. I appreciate his zeal and devotion, but his tone is off-putting. I suppose this relates more to my rather logical and cold approach to religion, rather than the more emotional and transcended experiences that many relate, and is not really a fault of Paul’s style- it just doesn’t speak to me. I appreciate the guidance and reminders within the lecture to consider Paul within his own context and motivation, rather than letting the contemporary setting overly color the writings.