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Sanitation was non-existent, and in many cases, the meals and medical needs of the prisoner were not provided for. The place of confinement was typically (though not always) a place without natural light-at times without ANY light. In more extreme cases, this involved the ongoing use of torture. Since a prison sentence was considered more of actual punishment, rather than simply a protection for the rest of society, it was important that there be this component of suffering. In ancient times, prison did not merely entail confinement-the curtailment of certain freedoms- but also physical suffering. Paul, the letter’s human author, is in prison-and not for the first time. However, I do want to highlight what this saying actually appears to mean in the context of the book of Philippians- a meaning which need not tether the Holy Spirit’s application of the verse to situations beyond its context, but must surely inform it. I need to be clear that it is not my intention here to oppose these sorts of applications of this verse. In the NFL arena, he would display his faith in ways such as putting Scripture references to Php 4:13 on his ‘Eye Black’-a painted black line under the player’s eye which draws light away from the eyes to help them see the ball better.
#All things done through christ professional
And anyone who follows American football (and possibly many who don’t) will be aware of the name, Tim Tebow, a former professional football quarterback who lived as a very public witness for Jesus. I am old enough to remember when boxer, Evander Holyfield, had “Php 4:13” printed on his shorts for his bout with Mike Tyson (which Holyfield won). Just remember that this verse is more about Christ than self, more about hope than hype, and more about rising from the bottom than about climbing to the top.The latter part of this verse has been used as a motivation for Christians of all stripes, in their endeavours to accomplish all sorts of things. It can inspire the business that has failed not to quit. It can inspire the team that has lost to get up and go again. Understanding the context should not spoil the inspiring words of Philippians 4:13, nor even ban it from a theme for sports teams or business people. That is, whatever I face in the physical world, I can face it with with the spiritual strength that Christ gives me. The emphasis of the verse is not about being able to do anything, but on being able to do all things (including handling bad things) through Christ. But taken in the context of Paul’s contentment, despite his imprisonment, the whole verse makes sense. Taken out of context, people often stress the phrase “I am able to do all things,” as if this is a guarantee that we can climb the highest mountain and swim the deepest sea. Instead, he was talking about contentment in the midst of his circumstances. In fact, he didn’t even ask to change his circumstances, to break out of jail. From the context, it is obvious that Paul was not talking about winning games or setting sales records. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13, HCSB). In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content–whether well-fed or hungry whether in abundance or in need.
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I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In the last chapter of the letter, Paul talked about his suffering in prison, and said, “…for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. He stated in the letter that he could die there for the gospel (Philippians 1:12-13, 20-21). The apostle Paul was in jail when he wrote the letter to the Philippians. So let’s put the verse back into its context and unpack it.
So what is the problem with that? A closer look at the verse shows that such interpretations violate the cardinal rule of Bible interpretation: context. Sports teams emblazon it on their uniforms to inspire them to win games, and business people quote it to inspire their sales force. Philippians 4:13 is one of the most beloved verses in the Bible. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13, NKJV
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(NOTE: This is the third in a series of blog posts I am doing on some of the most commonly twisted and misinterpreted verses in the Bible.) Copyright by Bob Rogers Photo by Victor Freitas on
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