California's primary is March 5 of this year.
This is the first of two parts on the upcoming elections. Part 2 will be posted on Monday.
BACKGROUND
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."
Philippians 1:27-30
Paul challenges the Church in Philippi to remain faithful to Jesus and live in a manner worthy of the Gospel. In this passage, he is calling for unity in the Spirit and the Gospel, to have courage, and not be afraid. This last part of Chapter 1 has much to unpack, so let's dive in.
Located at the bottom of a mountain that produced valuable minerals such as silver and gold, the city of Philippi was a strategic location for Rome both geographically and culturally. Citizens enjoyed a prosperous economy as a result of this. In addition, Philippi was located along the Ignatian Way, the primary East-to-West road in this part of the Roman Empire.
Philippi was a hub for traveling like Las Angeles or Atlanta. Travelers on chariots had layovers. But, what made Philippi stand out was its connection to Rome. Philippi was a Roman colony patterned after the city of Rome.
In 31 BC, Octavius, later known as Augustus, was the first Roman Emperor. He expanded Rome's influence and power. When he defeated Roman General Mark Antony, he took control of the empire after years of civil war.
After the war, he rewarded his soldiers with plots of land in Philippi. He also showed goodwill to Mark Antony's soldiers by giving them land in Philippi and won their favor.
After Octavius made Philippi a Roman colony and populated it with patriotic and dedicated citizens. When they rebuilt the city, they used Rome as their template, Roman architecture, and Latin as their official language. Even the citizen's clothing was Roman, with togas common sites.
Philippians worshiped the Greek gods. In every way, this was a place that was pro-Rome. They flew Rome's colors when raising their flag. The city of Philippi's faith and culture were patterned after Rome's.
The dynamic that this new Jesus community finds itself in is neither a favorable nor hospitable place for a Christian Church. That put the church out of place.
There was pressure for this new church to conform to the faith and culture of Rome, but the Gospel's message was antithetical to the life and culture of Rome. Thus Paul's encouragement.
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
Philippians 1:27
This admonition has been the hallmark of Christianity from the earliest days until today. That our faith and culture be rooted in the Word of God, not the changing cultural norms of society.
Monday's post will deal with the importance of this election.
Special thanks to Pastor Gordon Wong, my pastor at Mission Church of the Nazarene in San Diego, California, for allowing me to share this.
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