Stand Fast

Paul is writing to a local church, which was then copied to other local churches. So Paul’s desire for the local church is that, living as heavens citizens, (a civilian) that ye stand fast (a military metaphor). Philippi was a military colony, many retired soldiers lived there, the chief magistrates were praetors, (Acts 16:20) literally Generals, so the military metaphor would be very vivid. Think of a rank of Roman soldiers standing their ground, facing the enemy. There is to be no retreat. So it is with the Christian. We are not here to fight earthly wars, as Christ made clear before Pilate, John 18:36 “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” Our battle is spiritual. We are to stand for the truth.