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Luke 2:1-5 Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all were proceeding to register for the census, everyone to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.

Luke 1:1-4 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and proved to be servants of the word have handed them down to us, 3 it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; 4 so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.

Before embarking on the formal introduction of the Gospel of Luke, it will be beneficial to consider some of the important historical developments that occurred in the centuries from the conquest of Judah by the Babylonians, ~586 BC, to the time of Christ. After the completion of the OT canon with Malachi in ~435 BC until the beginning of the NT period in the 1st century AD there is no biblical record. This period is referred to as the Intertestamental Period. We must not conclude that the absence or paucity of a biblical record indicates that this period was unimportant or uneventful. The period spanned an excess of 400 years and was a time of great tumult and flux throughout the Near East and Mediterranean region. Moreover many of the important developments that transpired during this time frame played a significant part in shaping the social, economic, government, political, and religious ideologies that prevailed in Judea during the time of Christ.

In chapter 4 Paul begins with an exhortation to stand stand firm and live in harmony. Evidently two believers in the Philippi were at serious odds so Paul appeals for a group effort in resolving their disagreement. After this appeal, he issues some concluding exhortations in living the Christian life such as “Rejoice in the Lord always,” “Be anxious for nothing,” apply the sound doctrine learned, etc. The apostle concludes the letter by acknowledging their financial gift and gives his closing greetings.

Chapter 3 begins with a warning against opponents who insist on circumcision as compulsory in the Church Age. Paul re-affirms the “spiritual” circumcision which occurs at the point of salvation. He further asserts that righteousness comes on the basis of faith in Christ and not on observance of the Law. All of his supposed advantages as a Jew, ancestry and accomplishments, he considered worthless compared to the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ.

Paul begins the chapter with an appeal for corporate unity among the Philippian believers. He instructs them to refrain from being selfish and instead, have a mindset of humility toward one another. The apostle holds up Christ, the glorified God-Man, as the ultimate example of humility. Following the remarkable Christological passage, Paul gives various directives and then provides news regarding Timothy and Epaphroditus.

The apostle Paul greets the believers in Philippi and expresses his thanksgiving and affection for them. He prays for their continued spiritual progress in order that they might be vindicated in the “day of Christ.” In this chapter, Paul mentions his current imprisonment in Rome and that contrary to what one might expect, he was able to able to continue his ministry and spread the Gospel. In Paul we see a believer who is totally committed to the plan of God regardless of circumstances.

Philippians was a letter written to the believers in the city of Philippi by the apostle Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome. Prominent themes include humility, unity, and obedience in the Christian life. These themes are as applicable to believers today as they were in Paul’s day.

Philemon 1:1-5 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, 2 and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints;

The letter to Philemon is the shortest of Paul’s letters. Also, it is more closely related to an ordinary personal and private correspondence compared to other Pauline letters that are primarily addressed to groups. As the letters to Timothy and Titus, this letter is addressed to an individual. However, the letter to Philemon possesses a different tone (e.g. general instructions to communicators vs. an appeal to the grace orientation of an individual). Here, Paul functions as an intermediary between a master and his slave. In this regard, Paul displays sensitivity and tact when dealing with a potentially volatile situation.