Philippians 1:2: Grace To You and Peace

Philippians 1:2
[2] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV)

Paul brings his standard greeting to the believers in Jesus Christ at Philippi. Grace and Peace. This greeting would remind them of the relationship they have with God. This may have been a standard greeting, but it was not an insignificant greeting. Those who had previously been eternally lost in their sin had now been brought near to God through Jesus Christ. Grace and Peace.

The Apostle Paul knew a little something about what he was talking about when he spoke of grace. He previously had persecuted the church. He was holding people's cloaks while they threw stones at Stephen, the first martyr for Christ. He had gone to people's homes and dragged them off to prison for their faith in Christ. Yet, God reached down and showed Paul his amazing grace.

1 Timothy 1:12–15
[12] I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, [13] though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, [14] and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [15] The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (ESV)

God's grace is greater than all of our sin. There is no one whom God cannot forgive. Grace is the favor of God given to us that we do not deserve. It is by grace we are saved and can finally have PEACE with God. The Apostle Paul knew this. The Philippian believers knew this. The question is, "Do you know this?"

Grace and peace are available to you. Reach out to the Savior. Confess your sin. No sin is too great. He will forgive you and give you his peace. Grace and Peace.