WORKSHOP FIVE INTERPRETIVE ESSAY
Theo Mikaele
BI 151A, The Bible as literature
Aaron Orendorff
Warner Pacific College
July 24, 2012

An essay on a Pauline letter (Philippians) While reading the Pauline letters, readers have to understand that there are five main parts. The five parts include the opening, thanksgiving section, body, moral instruction, and closing. In reading Philippians, the opening can be found in chapter 1:1-2. Paul and Timothy who are servants of Christ are known as the senders, and all the saints in Philippi, bishops, and deacons are the receivers. The blessing is found in verse two: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (p. 2062). The thanksgiving section is gratitude of expression to God. In the book of Philippians, thanksgiving can be found in, chapter 1:3-11. The body of Philippians can be found in chapter 1:12 - 4:20. The message is clear to be selfless, and to give of yourself to others in an effort to create unity. Throughout this book, there are three main examples for the people of Philippi to follow: an example of Christ, Timothy and Epaphroditus, and himself. The moral instruction that Paul is giving to his readers is that serving other people, serves Christ (chapters 1 and 2), growing in faith is important (Chapter 3), and to find joy even while suffering (Chapter 4). The closing can be found in the benediction when Paul thanks the Christians in Chapter 4:10-23. The main concerns Paul addresses are service to others, the importance of faith, and finding joy in the worst of situations. The transitions that hold the topic together are the specific examples Paul gives of his situation (Chapter 1:12-26), self emptying of Christ (Chapter 2:1-18), the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus (Chapter 2:19-3:1), and of himself (Chapter 3:4- 4:1). He then transitions to the closing by