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We’re all in this together
Philippians 2:1–13 is part of the lectionary readings for the seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, which is September 27th. In verses 1–2, Paul called the recipients of his letter to unity, humility, and obedience. As long as the congregation remained divided, they would not be able to withstand opposition from their antagonists (1:28). Most likely, this hostility was linked to the resistance originating from the pagan residents in Philippi. They had created a mob scene in which Paul and Silas were arrested on their initial visit to the city (Acts 16:16–24). The harassment Paul’s readers experienced undermined their Christian unity. Well aware of how this problem was manifesting itself among his…
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Jesus, the supreme example of humility
The lectionary readings for Sunday, April 5th (Palm Sunday in the church calendar), include Philippians 2:5–11. As the worldwide body of Christ, along with the rest of the global community, endures the current pandemic crisis, Paul’s observations about the humiliation and exaltation of the Messiah seem especially pertinent. In verses 1–2, the apostle called the recipients of his letter to unity, humility, and obedience. As long as the congregation remained divided, they would not be able to withstand opposition from their antagonists (1:28). Most likely, this hostility was linked to the resistance originating from the pagan residents in Philippi. They had created a mob scene in which Paul and Silas…
