We continue on in chapter 4, verses 10-20. Paul rejoices in the Philippians concern for him. Epaphroditus had brought gifts for Paul from the Philippians. It appears that in previous times, the Philippians had also given Paul aid when he was in need. They had previously done that when other churches did not. Paul doesn't actually thank them, but he shows his appreciation for the effort. Though technically speaking, he would have managed just fine without their help, says he. Paul has learned how to be content in all circumstances because his god gives him the strength to endure. He looks on the Philippians' gift as a kind of offering, or sacrifice, pleasing to god. But god didn't use the gifts, Paul did, just like the priests with the Israelites' sacrifices of old.
In verse 19, Paul tells the Philippians his god would meet all their needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. I wonder how that worked out for the Philippians. Also, why didn't the gloriously rich god meet all Paul's needs? Verse 16 clearly says he had been in need.
The letter ends with greetings to the Philippians from "the brothers" who are with him, especially those who belong to the household of Caesar. This is why it is assumed Paul was writing from Rome.
Now, what have we learned from this letter? It does not claim to be the word of god or to give the Philippians a particular message from god. It is basically a personal letter of encouragement, sermonizing, and thanks. It says nothing about angels, demons, Satan, or hell. It says nothing about the birth, life events, or teachings, of Jesus. It mentions not one single person from the four gospels and none of the other apostles. It mentions no events from Paul's travels, except that he has been hungry and in need. The only places it mentions are Macedonia and Thessalonica, but no things that happened there. The only person mentioned in the letter who has been mentioned in any other book of the bible, besides Jesus, is Timothy. There are no miraculous occurrences mentioned in this letter.
What it says about Jesus: he made himself nothing, took the nature of a man, had a human likeness, suffered, was obedient to death on a cross, and was resurrected from the dead. It does not say Jesus and god are the same being. According to Paul, Jesus has also been given the power to transform earthly bodies into indestructible heavenly ones. (I wonder if the earthly bodies have to be intact. Also, where did Paul get his info?) Paul does not explain WHY god needs Jesus, or why we need Jesus to save us from destruction. Why is it our belief in Jesus that saves us? Why does our non-belief doom us to destruction?
What does this letter say about god? God gives grace and peace. God can testify on Paul's behalf (1:8) How he does that is a mystery. God saves people from destruction. (1:28). He exalted Jesus to the highest place and gave Jesus a name above all names*. (2:9-10). God had mercy on Paul and Epaphroditus by letting him live. (2:27) If Christianity is true, wouldn't have been far better for Epaphroditus to die? Wouldn't it be better for any Christian to die and be resurrected with an indestructible body? In 3:14, Paul says god has called him heavenward in christ Jesus. So, presumably, god is in heaven. In 4:18, god is pleased with the Philippians' sacrifice . In 4:18, Paul says god will meet all their needs. That's it. We don't learn much about god from this book. There is no mention of omnipotence, omnibenevolence, omnipresence, etc.
*Even above the name of god?
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