Philippians 1:3-11, A Prayer for Intelligent Love (1)

For whom is Paul praying? The Church in Philippi

Specifically, all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons (Phil. 1:1).  As the prayer itself indicates, this was a church for which Paul had a lot of affection.  Acts 16 contains the story of Paul’s establishment of the Church at Philippi.  It was the first church in what is today Europe.  He landed there by the miraculous leading of the Holy Spirit. 

To whom is Paul praying?  “my God”

Paul does not speak like this to distinguish between his God and the God of the Philippians.  He is the same.  Rather, he expresses his personal relationship with God, which should encourage those who read this letter in how they relate to God. 

What words, phrases, titles, names are applied to God by Paul?

Paul refers to God as He who has begun a good work in you (v6).  The request in this prayer is for a love that grows in knowledge and insight.  Thus, this reference to God says something about God that relates to the request.  A part of God’s completing His work in their lives involves their growth in love.

In v8 he says, God is my witness.  This is just Paul's way of assuring these believers of his own love for them, and that his love is deep and sincere (the affection of Jesus Christ).

What moves Paul to pray? “remembrance” of the Philippians

If you read the story in Acts 16 you would understand first how amazing was the work of God.  The story involves Paul’s first recorded experience of prison (he had already been stoned and left for dead, Acts 14:19-20).  He and Silas were miraculously delivered, and the jailer’s family all became believers.  But more than his first contact with them is the fact that they continued to be a part of Paul’s ministry after he left Philippi.  He speaks of this in Phil. 4:14-16.  When Paul says upon every remembrance of you it tells us his entire time in Philippi was a good experience.  He has no regrets.

His prayer request arises from some of the matters facing the church.  They were facing a doctrinal challenge (Phil. 3:2).  But also, there was an argument taking place that seemed to have a significant effect on the group (Phil. 4:2-3).  There was apparently some complaining and disputing (Phil. 2:14-15).  It does not appear there was major division in the church but there were matters that required some intelligent love. 

In the end, it was a church well appreciated by Paul that needed to work through some things.  No matter how well things are going, there is always a need to apply intelligent love in relationships.  So, Paul is thankful, and yet mindful to pray for them.