Philippians: And The Context of Joy

This is a pre-publication draft of the opening chapter of a book that should be published later this year or early next year.

By Warren E. Berkley

~ Introduction ~

Philippians may be one of the most quoted books in the New Testament. And the subject or theme that dominates the letter is joy. That makes sense. Paul was confined by Roman authorities and yet repeatedly expressed the joy of his active faith in Christ. We may, therefore, regard Philippians as an essay on the subject of joy.

But let’s slow down and review that conclusion. In this book I want to emphasize that joy in Philippians has a context. And the only way to have an authentic understanding of joy in Philippians and joy as it should be in the life of a Christian is, to see joy in the comprehensive context written by the Holy Spirit through Paul.

Here’s an example of why this is so important. A shallow perception of joy in Philippians (and throughout the New Testament is): Avoid everything negative. This is the interpretation that may be tempting when you read Philippians 4:4, “rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Does this teach us to maintain an outer emotion of joy with such dogmatic consistency, that we never admit anything negative? Is this a “happy-go-lucky” sunny disposition, no matter what?

According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, “Happy-go-lucky” originated in England during the late 17th century (circa 1670s) to describe a haphazard, risky, or “come what may” attitude, rather than a cheerful disposition. It evolved from the older phrase “happy-be-lucky” (1630s), with the modern meaning of a carefree, easy-going person emerging in the early 19th century. 

Is this the “joy” Paul wrote about in Philippians?

NO. Paul maintained more than a superficial emotion of “joy.” He embraced a deep and abiding pleasure in serving Christ and living with the hope that is the promise of the gospel. However, it did not keep him from dealing truthfully and directly with sin and error. The joy Paul encouraged Christians in Philippi to embrace did not mean being blind to the realities of life under the sun. It really means that life under the sun doesn’t cancel joy for those who live in Christ.   

For Paul, joy was not a plaque on the wall, a song with Silas in jail, or a repeated word in a letter. It was more than an occasional emotional outburst or an unnatural smile while in pain. Packed into this joy was obedient trust in Christ, hope grounded in that trust and contentment he learned to cherish no matter the outward circumstances (4:11). And …

… This joy did not rule out dealing very directly with sin and error. Indeed, the fuller context of his joy in Christ made it necessary to respond as written in chapter three: “…I have often told you and now tell you even with tears [that many] … walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things,” (3:16-19).  Commitment to Christ and the joy of that commitment prompted Paul to issue warnings like this, exposing sin and error; not just in this letter.

It was with this joy in the heart of Paul, the imprisoned apostle, that he wrote to Christians in Philippi. Paul’s life circumstance combined with the words of this epistle and the others he wrote, supply necessary context to the joy so prominent in this epistle.

This joy was shared by Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus. And this letter was sent to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. – Phil. 1:1,2

The emphasis of this book is on the context of joy.

Just look down through the opening verses (Phil. 1:3-11). The joy in the Philippian epistle means and includes:

• Good memories, 1:3
• Praying, 1:4
• Partnership in the gospel, 1:5
• Good work, 1:6
• Completion at the day of Jesus Christ, 1:6
• “Partakers with me of grace,” 1:7
• The affection of Jesus Christ, 1:8
• Love abounding more and more, 1:9
• Approving what is excellent, 1:10
• Being pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 1:10b
• Being filled with the fruit of righteousness, 1:11
• All of these components of joy: “To the glory and praise of God,” (1:11b)

The joy that is repeated several times in this epistle is not a noncontingent joy that is unattached to anything else. It isn’t just something you claim, talk about, wear or enforce. It isn’t based on circumstances. It isn’t an occasional burst of happiness. It isn’t humanly fabricated. Artificial Intelligence cannot duplicate it.

The joy that characterizes this letter is defined in this letter and that definition is supplemented by everything before and after Philippians.

Let’s understand it!