The Apostle Paul consistently thinks and writes in the plural. That is to say, he never conceives of Christian ministry as a solo endeavor. Whether it was fellow leaders or sister churches or close friends, he never tires of greeting each by name, exulting in their partnership in the gospel. The church at Philippi was no different. The opening verses overflow with superlatives, as if Paul can barely contain his joy and thankfulness. The church here had partnered with him from the outset. Paul first visited Philippi on his second missionary journey (see Acts 16:11-40), which saw the conversion of Lydia and the family of the Philippian jailer. This church had also contributed generously to the collection for the Jerusalem church, despite their extreme poverty. Paul was not quick to forget their shared past. The koinonia (fellowship, partnership, participation) mentioned in verse 5, however, is more than simply a shared experience—as if Paul were fondly recollecting a nostalgic road trip they once took. Their partnership in the gospel is more intimate than that, grounded in the “grace and peace” (v.2) of Jesus and rooted in his saving work. Their identity as “God’s holy people” (v.1) supersedes all other earthly identity markers and binds them together in common mission.

Reflection Questions:

1. Based on these verses, how would you describe Paul’s relationship to the church? What is his tone?

2. Read about Paul’s first visit to Philippi in Acts 16:11-40. How would these experiences have drawn them closer together? Why is remembering our collective past so important? How do we faithfully build on the past without allowing it to become an idol?

3. Why is it dangerous to think of ourselves as “lone ranger” Christians? What challenges to koinonia do we face today? What opportunities do you see for your church to partner in the gospel?