Philippians 4:21

Philippians 4:21 serves as a warm, personal closing to Paul's epistle, extending greetings from Paul and his companions to the entire Christian community in Philippi. Though brief, this verse encapsulates the deep sense of fellowship and shared identity that characterized the early church.

Context

This verse comes at the very end of Paul's letter to the Philippians, a letter often called the "epistle of joy" despite being written from prison. Throughout the letter, Paul expresses profound gratitude for the Philippians' partnership in the gospel, their financial support, and their steadfast faith. As he concludes, he moves from final exhortations and expressions of thanks to personal greetings, reinforcing the bonds of Christian love and unity. The mention of "the brethren which are with me" sets the stage for the final salutations from the household of Caesar in the very next verse, reminding the readers that Paul was not alone but surrounded by fellow believers, even in his confinement.

Key Themes

• Christian Fellowship and Unity: The instruction to "Salute every saint" emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and valuing each member of the believing community. It speaks to a collective identity and mutual respect within the body of Christ.
• Identity in Christ: The phrase "in Christ Jesus" underscores that their status as "saints" (holy ones) and their unity derive entirely from their relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the foundational truth for their fellowship. All believers, regardless of social standing, are saints by virtue of their position in Christ.
• Communal Support and Solidarity: The greetings from "the brethren which are with me" highlight the communal nature of Paul's ministry and the early church. It shows a network of believers supporting one another, even in challenging circumstances, functioning as one body in Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "salute" is aspazomai (ἀσπάζομαι), which means to greet, embrace, or welcome. It implies a warm, affectionate, and respectful greeting, more profound than a casual hello. It suggests a genuine expression of care and recognition among believers. The term "saint" (Greek hagios, ἅγιος) refers to those who are set apart or consecrated. In the New Testament, it is applied to all believers, indicating their new spiritual status as holy and belonging to God through Christ, rather than a select few.

Practical Application

Philippians 4:21 reminds us of the enduring value of genuine Christian community and connection. In an increasingly isolated world, this verse encourages believers to actively engage in fellowship, extend heartfelt greetings, and acknowledge the shared identity we have "in Christ Jesus." It calls us to cultivate relationships within our spiritual family, recognizing that we are all part of the same body and interdependent upon one another. This simple instruction to "salute every saint" is a timeless call to unity, love, and mutual encouragement among God's people.