Countercultural Contentment
Discover the Apostle Paul's profound redefinition of contentment by delving into the historical and cultural context of Philippians 4:10-13.
In Bible study, we aim first to understand what the text meant to its original hearers before discerning what it means for us today. When studying Philippians 4:10-13, grasping the historical and cultural context in which it was written is crucial to unlocking its original meaning. Let's explore the significance of this context in interpreting Paul's words.
From a prison cell, the Apostle Paul penned a letter to his friends in Philippi. He wrote to thank them for the care package they had recently sent. But Paul also wrote to share a secret:
“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
The Philippian Context
To fully appreciate the richness of Paul’s words, we must first understand the nature of his relationship with the Philippians and a bit about their culture. The Philippian church was the first Christian community Paul established in Eastern Europe, as chronicled in Acts 16. Philippi, a city packed with retired Roman soldiers, was renowned for its patriotism and nationalism. Preaching Jesus as the true king of the world in such a place inevitably led to significant resistance for Paul and his followers. Writing from prison, Paul addresses these believers who had sent him a care package, expressing his heartfelt gratitude: "I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me" (v.10).
The Christ Hymn
At the center of Paul’s letter is a hymn found in Philippians 2:6-11, likely well-known among early Christians. This hymn celebrates the downward mobility of Jesus, who, though divine, humbled himself to become a servant and lay down his life for humanity. Throughout his letter, Paul repeatedly references this hymn, urging the Philippians to embody Christlike humility, not the proud and independent ethos of Rome.
Stoic Contentment
The philosophical backdrop of the time also sheds light on Paul's message. Stoicism, a prevalent philosophy especially among Roman soldiers, aspired to a contentment achieved through independence and indifference—an ideal termed autarkes (αὐτάρκης).
The Stoics aspired to be like a self-sufficient country that doesn’t trade with others because it has all that it needs within itself. It is independent. Because it doesn’t need the resources of other countries, it also doesn’t care what’s happening in those countries. It is indifferent. This kind of country was known as an autarky, from this same Greek word autarkes.
Paul’s Contentment
However, Paul redefines autarkes in verse 11: "I have learned to be content (αὐτάρκης) whatever the circumstances." Unlike the Stoics, Paul’s contentment is not rooted in self-sufficiency but in Christ. He explains that he has learned the “secret” (v.12) to remaining content in all situations, whether in abundance or need: "I can do all things through [Christ] who gives me strength" (v.13).
The secret to Paul's contentment is dependence, not independence. Paul’s ability to be content in all situations stems from his reliance on Christ, not from self-sufficiency. This is poignantly illustrated as Paul explains this in a thank-you letter to friends he depends on for support! Christian contentment is found in reliance on both God and others.
The secret to Paul’s contentment is also engagement, not indifference.
The Stoic philosopher Epictetus taught his disciples to practice indifference:
“Begin with a cup or a household utensil; if it breaks, say, ‘I don’t care.’ Go on to a horse or pet dog; if anything happens to it, say, ‘I don’t care.’ Go on to yourself, and if you are hurt or injured in any way, say, ‘I don’t care.’ If you go on long enough, and if you try hard enough, you will come to a stage when you can watch your nearest and dearest suffer and die, and say, ‘I don’t care.’”
But Paul is writing to friends who sing the hymn about Jesus—so moved by our sin and suffering that he left the opulence of heaven for the poverty of the manger. He set aside the honors of heaven for the horrors of the cross.
Paul invites the Philippian Christians—and us—to be like that Jesus, not the Romans. Contentment is found in the cultivation of dependence on God and others, rather than independence. Contentment belongs to those who are moved and not indifferent. Christ gives us the strength to live this way in every circumstance.
Reflection
God, what do these ancient words mean for me today? How am I more like the stoic than my Savior?
Speak to me. I’m listening. Guide me. I’ll follow. Amen.
