Philippians #18: Joy in Jesus--"The Public Function of our Faith" Philippians 2:17-18
Paul brings up the possibility of his death at the hands of the Romans and calls people to rejoice with him.
Philippians 2:17-18
- Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Upon the sacrificial offering of your faith:
- This is actually the Greek word “leitourgia” = public function (as a priest)
- From where we get the word… “liturgy”
- The original context of “liturgy” goes back to priestly duties.
- And the priests - as you know - were intercessors between man and God.
- Here in Phil. 2, liturgy, as a “public function as a priest” is a deeper, symbolic way of Paul saying “Let my life and example as a follower of Christ continue through YOUR example long after I’m gone.”