What does Philippians 4:21 mean?

Explanation

Philippians 4:21 is a part of the concluding remarks of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians.

In this verse, Paul emphasizes the interpersonal relationships and unity among believers in Christ Jesus.

He instructs the recipients of the letter to greet every believer, indicating the importance of acknowledging each other's place in the body of Christ.

Here, "saint" refers to all believers, not just a select few, and reflects the common identity shared within the Christian community.

Paul also includes greetings from those who are with him, which demonstrates a communal aspect of the Christian faith.

The phrase "in Christ Jesus" reiterates the bond that ties all Christians together, a bond that is spiritual and transcends physical locations.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison, around AD 60-62.

The historical context here is the early Christian church, which was spreading throughout the Roman Empire.

During this time, Christians often faced persecution and hardship.

Paul's letters were a means to instruct, encourage, and maintain unity among believers who were dispersed across different regions.

Philippi, a city in Macedonia, was the location of the early Christian congregation to whom Paul directed this letter, and it held a special place for Paul as it was the first city in Europe where he preached the Gospel.

The conclusion of the letter with personal greetings was customary in ancient correspondence.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse encapsulates several key Christian doctrines:

• The Universal Priesthood: By calling all believers "saints," Paul reinforces the idea that all Christians have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, unlike in some religious traditions where sainthood is reserved for a few.

• The Church as a Body: The verse reflects the New Testament teaching that all believers constitute the body of Christ, with each member having a place and purpose.

• The Unity in Christ: The directive to salute or greet every saint showcases the theological truth of unity in Christ, a unity that transcends cultures, social status, and geographical locations.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Philippians 4:21 can remind believers of the following applications:

• The need for Christians to recognize and value the contributions of each member within their local and global communities.
• To foster a spirit of unity and cooperation among believers, regardless of denominational affiliations.
• To extend hospitality and a warm welcome to all members of the church, reflecting the love and inclusivity taught by Christ.

Cross-References

• Romans 16:16 - "Salute one another with an holy kiss.

The churches of Christ salute you."

• 2 Corinthians 13:13 - "All the saints salute you."
• Ephesians 6:23-24 - "Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.

Amen."

Language Study

• "Saint" (Greek: hagios) traditionally means "holy" or "set apart." In the New Testament, it is used to describe believers who are set apart for God's purposes.
• "Salute" (Greek: aspazomai) means to "greet," "welcome," or "embrace." It implies a warm and friendly recognition of fellow believers.
• "Christ Jesus" points to the Messiah (Christ - the anointed one) and signifies his divine and human natures.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Greco-Roman culture, letter writing often included final greetings to convey personal regards, similar to the conclusion of Paul's letters.

This cultural norm was integrated with the Christian emphasis on brotherly love.

Comparatively, other ancient religions also had forms of salutation among members, but the Christian salutation is distinct in its emphasis on shared faith in Jesus Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific understanding of human psychology and sociology could illuminate why such gestures of greeting and acknowledgement are important for community cohesion.

Engaging in acts of greeting and acknowledging others helps build social bonds and contributes to an individual's sense of belonging in a group, which are foundational for a healthy and supportive community.

commentaries

Various biblical commentaries note that this verse, though concise, captures the essence of Christian fellowship and community.

Matthew Henry's commentary, for instance, highlights the universal love among Christians that is expressed through such greetings.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary emphasizes the importance of this personal touch in Paul's letters, reflecting genuine care and interest in the recipients' welfare.

Commentators generally agree that by including others in his greeting, Paul models humility and the collective identity of the church.