The Book of Philippians

 

The letter was written to the church at Philippi, one of the earliest churches to be founded in Europe. They were very attached to Paul, just as he was very fond of them. Of all the churches, their contributions (which Paul gratefully acknowledges) are among the only he accepts. The generosity of the Philippians comes out very conspicuously (Philippians 4:15). "This was a characteristic of the Macedonian missions, as (2 Corinthians 8 and 9) amply and beautifully prove. It is remarkable that the Macedonian converts were, as a class, very poor (2 Corinthians 8:2), though the very first converts were of all classes (Acts 16); and the parallel facts, their poverty and their open-handed support of the great missionary and his work, are deeply harmonious. You will find that Paul expresses great joy towards the Philippians in this book. Keep in mind this was written by Paul while he was in prison in Rome around 63 A.D.

Philippians 1

 1Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Written to all those (all the saints), who believe and belong to Christ, including the elders and deacons. Timotheus (Timothy), was Paul's traveling companion.

 2Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. The only way to peace is through Jesus Christ. (He gives us peace of mind within through the Holy Spirit).

 3I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Every time I think of you or someone mentions you I give thanks to God. Paul loved the Philippians; the church in Philippi was founded by Paul with Silas and Timothy. (Acts 16:12-40).

 4Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy. Paul loved to pray with joy. The way our prayers should be made when we pray to the heavenly Father. (Talk to the Heavenly Father about good things, not just when you need something).

 5For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now. It has been around eleven or twelve years since Paul first met the Philippians.

 6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Paul was explaining to us to be sure that we will finish what we have started when it concerns the Word of God. "Don't be a quitter; hang till the end."

 7Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. Paul was saying that, even though I am in prison I still teach the Word and I still have a special place in my heart for you. (Paul may have been down at times, but he continued in his ministry).

 8For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. Paul was saying that God knows how much he loved the saints and the teaching of the Word, and that he longs for the compassion of Christ.

 9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment. I pray that you keep growing in the knowledge of the Word. (Paul wanted the Philippians to excel in all the knowledge of God's Word).

 10That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Telling us to remain sincerely working in the Word, and to do our best to stay pure and blameless in our lives till Christ returns. This word "excellent" here is "diaphero" Strong's G1308 meaning "different." We are to check out things that are different in the Word. (To make sure that it aligns with the Word of God). Stay focused on the truth and not tradition, and you will not be deceived.

 11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. The fruit of the Word is your salvation, producing the righteous character in your life by Jesus Christ, causing others to give praise to God. (Christians attract others to themselves).

 12But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. Paul was explaining that everything that happened to him has helped to spread the truth of the gospel. (Good and bad).

 13So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places. Everyone knew that Paul was imprisoned because of teaching the Word of God. You won't be so popular if you teach the "truth of the Word" and not traditions of men. (Watch how many will turn from you).

 14And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Paul was saying that because of his imprisonment, most of the believers have gained confidence and now boldly speak of God's message without fear. (Teach God's Word boldly as it is written without any fear of consequences.) "God always takes care of His own."

 15Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will. It's true that some teach of Christ out of Jealousy, envy, and rivalry; but their are others who teach with pure motives. (Don't fall for a hypocrite).

 16The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds. They preach not sincerely, because they wanted to add to my affliction. There were many who did not like the teachings of Paul because of his conversion. Remember that Paul was a roman officer that persecuted Christians before God struck him down on the road to Damascus. (Without the right background, people might not listen to you either).

 17But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. Paul was ready to fight for the right to teach the gospel of Christ, and he did. Just as we must fight for the right today, when there is always some idiots trying to take God out of our family values and constitution. Remember, this country was built on the laws of God.

 18What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. It does not matter who they are or what they are doing; if their motives are false or genuine, the message of Christ will still be preached. The truth always prevails!

 19For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. I know this is going to help my salvation. Paul put all his trust in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

 20According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. Paul was saying that he would never be ashamed of what he was teaching about Christ no matter what happened. (Never be ashamed or apologize for teaching truth).

 21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Living means living for Christ and dying for Christ is even better.

 22But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. Paul was saying that If he lives, he can do more fruitful work for Christ; but if it be God's will that he die, that would be fine also. (Paul did not know what he would rather have happen to him, he left it up to God). He wanted to live so he could continue to teach the Word, yet he longed to die so he could be with Christ.

 23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better. Torn between two desires; he really longed to go and be with Christ.

 24Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. But, for your sakes; it is better that I continue to live so that I see that you continue to stay strong in the faith. Again, Paul wanted the Philippians to excel in the truth.

 25And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith. I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.

 26That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. You will even have more reason to trust and take pride in Christ because of what He has done for me.

 27Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. Behave as good citizens and good Christians as an example to others. Teach the Gospel with one mind and spirit as it is written, and forget false teachings and traditions of men.

 28And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. Don't worry about your enemies. They will pay for their evil ways against you and will be destroyed in the end. (If necessary, God will take care of them now).

 29For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. You have been given the privilege of not only believing in Him, but also to suffer with Him. (You may suffer a little for teaching the truth, but the reward in the end will be great).

 30Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. We are all in this struggle together. You have seen me struggle in the past, and you know I am still in the midst of it. Paul tells us that there will be tough times and conflict, but we need to hang tough and things will always work out for the better, if we keep the faith, trusting in Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2

 1If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies. If Christ appeals to you, if there is any encouragement from belonging to Christ, if there is any comfort from Christ's love and fellowship together in the Spirit. (True love and commitment from within).

 2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Paul was saying to bring joy by getting along with one another in Christ. Don't argue over silly things and traditions of men. Stick with God's Word. (Search for the truth together). In the home, "families shouldn't argue over religion."

 3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Don't only think of yourself and be on an ego trip trying to impress others. Rather be humble and think of others as better than yourself. (Everyone today wants to be top dog).

 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Don't only think of things that interest you, but take an interest in others also. If you take no interest in others, don't expect them to take interest in what you are doing.

 5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Have the same attitude that Christ had. (It would be a wonderful world if we could all have the mind of Christ).

 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: Thought Jesus was God; He did not think of equality with God, even though it would not have been robbery to equal Himself to God. He was Emanuel; God with us. He took on human form for us but He was God (the Word), from the beginning. (John 1:1-3, 1:14).

 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: He took the humble position of a slave and was born of woman as a human being. Why? For an example to you on how to live in the flesh through Him. "Notice I say through Him." You can't live a good life without the help of the "Holy Spirit."

 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. He humbled Himself and became obedient to God and died on the cross for you.

 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Therefore God gave him the highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names. "Jesus Christ." (The only name you need to know).

 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. At the name of Jesus every knee will bow at His return.

 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. And every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Paul was saying, you always followed my instruction when I was with you. Now you are on your own, so work out your salvation. (Working out your salvation is between you and Christ; not for yourself to do). Do it according to God's will with deep reverence. (It is important to understand that if you are doing the work of God, that you need to do it according to His will). If you do not do it according to God's will, He will take away from you, and God will not trust you in that sense. "Always trust in the Heavenly Father for sound advice."

 13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. It is God that gives you the will, the desire, and the power to do His work that pleases Him. (Never think its your idea or accomplishment).

 14Do all things without murmurings and disputings: Do everything without complaining and arguing. What things? God's things according to His will. Things in everyday life. If your always complaining, you will never accomplish anything.

 15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Live clean and sincere lives so that no one can criticize you. Live as Children of God, shinning as bright lights to a world of crooked and perverse nation. (This word nation used here in the Greek is "Genea" Strong's G-1074, A generation of age or time). What generation? It is part of the song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:5). Pulling from a generation of our time; the last generation before the return of Christ.

 16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. The Word of life. "God's Word." Rejoice that I will not run the race in vain and that my works are not useless. "Stay focused on good works."

 17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. Even if my life ends now, I know that it was not in vain and that you can share in this joy with me. (We study Paul's work and joy till this day).

 18For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. Something for both of us to be joyful about. "Its God's Word that we are to be joyful about."

 19But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. If the Lord is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you. Then he can cheer me up by hearing how you are getting along. (Timothy was Paul's sidekick and apprentice).

 20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. I have no one else like Timothy, who sincerely cares about your welfare. Paul really liked Timothy and knew He was capable to carry on the good news.

 21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. All the others care only for themselves and not what matters to Christ. Timothy I can trust.

 22But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Timothy has proved himself, like a son with his father in preaching the good news. Timothy was like a son to Paul in a spiritual sense.

 23Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. Paul's trial was coming up real soon and was ready to be sentenced, but he still did the work of the Lord.

 24But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. Paul knew he had more work to do yet.

 25Yet 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. Epaphroditus was an apostle sent forth to Paul to let him know what was going on at Philippi. Epaphroditus was very ill, but still served with Paul and the cause. "The Word was his life."

 26For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. Paul says he missed you while he was here with me. He knew they were worried because he was very sick.

 27For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Sick almost to death, but God had mercy on him and also on me so that I would not have one sorrow after another.

 28I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Paul was anxious to send him back and was thankful to God for His healing, because he knew they would be glad to see him and Paul would not need to worry about them.

 29Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Welcome and honor him at his arrival because he deserves it.

 30Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. He risked his life for the work of Christ; even at the point of death while helping me when you could not because you were far away. I would like to add here: Remember that Paul was in prison because he was teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Not because he was a criminal, or a rapist, or a murderer). "Just wanted to keep the record straight." (Paul was a holy man of God).

Philippians 3

 1Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you the Good News and I do it to safeguard your faith. "Paul wanted them to stay strong in the spirit."

 2Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. Those who say you must be circumcised to be saved. (A mutilation ritual that was practiced to save their soul). "Not necessary for salvation." Trusting in Jesus is what's important. (Galatians 1:9). "Its the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we have received."

 3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. It's the circumcision of the heart that is important. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us through the crucifixion for our salvation. Put no confidence in man to save you. "Christ does the saving; man does the destroying."

 4Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Paul was saying that; If it were possible to be saved by trusting in the flesh, or the law, I would know, or experience even more than you. (Salvation will never come from the law or the flesh). "Salvation comes within through Jesus Christ."

 5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee. I was circumcised at eight days old and I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin; (Romans 11), a real Hebrew if there was ever one, a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. "Paul had all the credentials and obeyed the Jewish laws." (He was a Hebrew of all Hebrews).

 6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. I was so zealous that I persecuted the church; yet as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. (Paul was saying he had the right to persecute the church because of the law). He would also say that it is better to do it according to God's way.

 7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. I thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. "Paul seen the light."

 8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. Everything else is worthless when compared to the "knowledge" of Christ Jesus my Lord. Getting to know Christ. How? Through the Word! Discarding everything else, counting it as garbage so that I may gain Christ. (Discarding traditions of men and false teachings).

 9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Not counting on righteousness through obeying the law, but rather become righteous through faith in Christ. Much of the law was nailed to the cross. (Colossians 2). This does not mean that we should not obey the laws of God. The commandments still apply to us all; yes we may all fail at times and we are all sinners, but through Christ and repentance we all can have salvation. Paul would go on to say that becoming right with God depends on faith, not just obeying the laws of God.

 10That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing in His death. Remember that Christ did it for us, so as Christians, we might suffer a little for Christ.

 11If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. So one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead.

 12Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Paul was saying, not that he had achieved these things or that he was perfect, but that he would press on to posses that perfection through Christ. That perfection that Christ posses, we cannot posses in the flesh body. Seems like we try, but always come up short. "Christ was perfect, we are not."

 13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I have not achieved it Paul says, but I focus on one thing; forgetting the past and look forward to what lies ahead. "Always look to the future Kingdom of Jesus Christ." (This is what faith is all about).

 14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. I press on and run the good race till the end, looking forward to the heavenly prize for which God, through Jesus Christ, is calling us. "The greatest prize you will ever receive is eternal life."

 15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Let us who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree at some point, God will make it clear to you. Always look to God for the answers, not man.

 16Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

 17Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. Pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. Your true pattern should be Christ, not Paul. (Sometimes man gets a little to puffy).

 18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Paul wars them (with tears in his eyes) as he says: I told you before, and I say it again. There are many out there who's conduct shows that they are not of Christ. I believe that Paul had deep feelings for the lost, just as Christ did, with hope that all would come to salvation. However, their are always going to enemies of Christ and what is right.

 19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) Paul would explain that those who do not care about Christ are headed for destruction. Their God is their appetite, bragging about shameful things, and they only think about this life here on earth and the things of the world. "He who dies with the most toys loses." "He who dies with a clear conscious and clean spirit wins." (This is true salvation).

 20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Our citizenship is in heaven where the Lord is, and we are waiting for Him to return as our Savior.

 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. He will change our weak flesh bodies into glorious spiritual bodies like His own. Using the same power with which He will bring all things under His control. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2). We can't imagine what it will be like later on, but we know that when He appears on the scene again, we will be like Him. Christ was 33 years old when He was crucified, and when He returns, He will be just as when He left. We will be like Him as a result of seeing Him as He really is.

Philippians 4

 1Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. Brothers and sisters in Christ; You are the joy and crown I receive for my work. Stay true to the Lord and His Word.

 2I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. You all belong to the Lord, so settle your differences.

 3And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Help these women Paul was saying, because they helped me and worked hard in telling others about the Good News. They worked along side the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.

 4Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Be joyful in the Lord! If you study God's Word getting to know Him through the Word, you will find that you have a lot to be joyful about.

 5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be gentle, patient, and be considerate in all that you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

 6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Don't worry about things, God takes care of His own. Pray for what you may need and always thank God for everything you have. "It may not be what you want, but the Lord knows what you really need.

 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Then you can experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. (That inner peace that we have through the Holy Spirit, assuring us that everything will be alright and God is in control). This word "keep" used here is (Phroureo) in the Greek, Strong's #5432 and it means, (to be a watcher in advance, to guard and protect). The Holy Spirit will guard and protect your heart (soul or self), and spirit (the intellect to the soul or your mind), as you live in Jesus Christ. We need to be watchers and we need to learn to discern the truth of the Word in order to guard and protect against false teaching and traditions of men. "Study God's Word."

 8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, things that are right and pure, things that are lovely and admirable. Think of things that are excellent and worthy of praise; things of God.

 9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Keep doing the things you have learned and received. Do God's will and His peace will be with you.

 10But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. I praise the Lord and thank Him for your concern about me. Paul knew they were concerned but never really had the chance to help him.

 11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Not that I was ever in need. Paul learned to be content with what he had. He knew and trusted God to always provide for Him.

 12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Paul knew the secret on how to live on almost nothing, or to live with everything. He had his ups and downs in life, but he was always content.

 13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. I trust and can do all things through Christ, Paul was saying.

 14Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

 15Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. Paul was saying that the Philippians were the only ones who supported and helped him financially when spreading the Good News. "No other churches helped him."

 16For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent help more than once.

 17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. I am not saying this because I want a gift from you, but rather you receive a reward for your kindness. Paul always thought of others, not just himself.

 18But 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. I have all I need and more Paul was saying. Your gifts are like a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.

 19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. This same God who takes care of me, will supply all your needs from His glorious riches through Jesus Christ. As stated in (Amos 8), the famine in the end times is not for bread, but for hearing the truth in God's Word.

 20Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. All the glory to God the Father forever and ever. Amen.

 21Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. Give greetings to the brothers and sisters in Christ. This is why the phrase "Praise the Lord" is such a popular greeting among Christians.

 22All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. All the saints send their greeting, especially those in Caesar's household. Can you imagine that? Paul is in prison in Rome, because of teaching the Word. Put in prison because of Caesar, and Paul's teachings of Christ are converting members of Caesar's own household to Christianity. Why? Because of almighty God, and the power in His Word.

 23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Keep The Faith,
Barton