Section 3
Paul's words is tender and soft. Because of the way Paul wrote these verses, most readers of Phi lippians do not understand them adequately. This is especially true of verse 1. What is Paul talking about in this verse? Why does he inquire if there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation of love, any fellowship of spirit, or any tender heartedness and compassions? Paul was saying that if the Philippians had such things for him, they would make his joy full. If they had any encouragement, consolation, fellowship, tender heartedness and compassions, they would be eager to cause the Apostle Paul to rejoice in full.
These words could not have been uttered by a young man. A young person would have spo ken in a strong, direct way, saying, "Philippians, do you love me? If you love me, you must encour age me." The tone would have been harsh instead of soft. Paul's tone and expression testify of his maturity. He appealed to them and begged them to respond to his fellowship. He had given them such positive fellowship in the preceding chapter. Now he wanted them to return this fellowship. Such a return of fellowship would be the believ ers' support to the apostle. Their encouragement, consolation, and tenderheartedness would sup port Paul in his imprisonment.