1. The book title reveals that God used the apostle Paul as His human instrument to express the contents of Philippians. 2. Philippians 1:1 shows Paul listed alongside Timotheus as one of the men present at the authoring of the epistle (see also Colossians 1:1). a. The pronoun us in Philippians 3:17 seems to validate the idea that more than one man was involved in the giving of this epistle.
Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
b. Yet, the singular pronouns throughout the epistle make it clear that the letter is predominately the work of one man—Paul. 3. According to the postscript, Epaphroditus penned the letter for Paul. Philippians 4:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. It was written to the Philippians from Rome by Epaphroditus.
4. This makes sense in light of Philippians 2:25 and Philippians 4:18.
Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
Philippians 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
Paul sent Epaphroditus to Philippi, and the people there sent Paul certain treasured things. God rewarded Ephaphroditus by allowing him to pen the epistle.
B. Paul's salutation
1. The typical false teaching concerning Paul's salutation concerns his name found as the first word in almost every one of his epistles, save one. a. W
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