Misiunea Bisericii în lumina Epistolei către Filipeni 1, 1-2, 18
The Mission of the Church in Light of Philippians 1:1-2:18

Author(s): Teodor-Cristian Ștefan
Subject(s): Theology and Religion, Sociology of Religion
Published by: Editura Doxologia
Keywords: biserică; unitate; smerenie; altruism; evanghelie;
Summary/Abstract: This paper highlights the mission of each believer as an integral part of the Church, in the light of Philippians 1:1-2:18. One of the main themes of this chosen pericope is the importance of unity within the Church. St. Paul creates this through the particular Christological hymn of Phil 2:6-11, where Christ is presented as the model for each member of the Church to follow and also as the One through whom grace and power is given to accomplish this work. Next, St. Paul portrays Christ's humble and submissive attitude which serves as a model for all Christian communities. The ecclesial community, clergy and laity alike, must develop ways in which each member of the Church can take up the call of selflessness and love for neighbour: "in humility count one another more highly than yourselves" (Phil 2:3) and "let no one seek only his own, but let each seek another's as well." (Phil 2:4). A final important point is the issue of spreading the Gospel. St. Paul mentions the importance of evangelization and talks about the obstacles that can intervene in this process. For the Church today, this text is a landmark and a permanent model for today. Through its members, the Church is resisting the spirit of the world by seeking to make every believer a light in the world (cf. Phil 2:15). Taken as a whole, this passage can provide a comprehensive and profound insight into the Church's mission, relevant for the community founded by St Paul and for contemporary Christian communities.

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