PARTNERSHIP: Philippians
By William Taylor
Christian Focus. 184 pages. £6.99
ISBN 978-1-84550-231-7
The author rightly describes the Philippian church as a ‘model congregation’: here he has given us a ‘model exposition’ to match.
This is a fine example of how a New Testament Epistle can be presented in a way that is popular and attractive without ever being lightweight. It does not aspire to be a technical commentary — it began life as a series of talks given in different contexts at St. Helen’s, Bishopsgate, where the author is the Rector. But this is all for the good as it means the whole book is rooted in ministry to ‘real life’ people and aimed at ‘real life’ Christian experience. The more theological sections are dealt with with great clarity, but this reviewer was especially appreciative of the practical and memorable applications throughout (listen to the imaginary process where Bridget, Malcolm and John are dismissed in favour of Timothy as Paul considers who he can send to encourage the Philippians, p.101!).
