Texts in Conversation
The Roman Philosopher Seneca argues that the wise person is self-sufficient and finds happiness within rather than in possessions. Paul echoes this language to tell the Philippians he has learned contentment in any circumstance.
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2500 BCE
1000+ CE
Philippians 4:11
New Testament
10 I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me. (Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.) 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance. 12 I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. 13 I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.
Seneca Moral Epistles 9:8
Letters from a Stoic
Classical
'The wise man is self-sufficient.' This phrase, my dear Lucilius, is incorrectly explained by many; for they withdraw the wise man from the world, and force him to dwell within his own skin. But we must mark with care what this sentence signifies and how far it applies; the wise man is sufficient unto himself for a happy existence, but not for mere existence. For he needs many helps towards mere existence; but for a happy existence he needs only a sound and upright soul, one that despises Fortune.
Date: 65 C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
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Notes and References
... E. "Stoicism" in Philippians. 1. The frequency of Stoic language in Philippians is emphasized by Engberg-Pedersen (1994). The evidence is seldom noted even in larger commentaries. When compelling examples such as autarkēs (4:11) cannot be denied (e.g. Fee 1995: 427–35), commentators insist that Paul radically transforms Stoic themes, which are generally disparaged. Yet the use of Stoic ideas in Luke’s account of Paul’s sermon in Athens (Acts 17:22–31) is matched by passages in Paul’s letters. In fact Stoicism had appeal for both Jewish and Christian preachers. 1 Clement, which should be dated not much later than 70 CE (Herron 1989), that is, only about ten years after Philippians, is full of Stoic ideas and terms, all interwoven with biblical, Jewish, and Christian themes. 2. Romans shows Paul readily adopting Stoic language for his message... In Philippians his use of Stoic language is pervasive, serving most of his main themes: the emphasis on keeping a right mind (phronein), discernment to choose the better (dokimazein ta diapheronta), aiming (skopein) at the right end (telos); seeking contentment (autarkeia) in one’s state, with joy (chara) even when suffering ...
Lincoln, Andrew T.
"Philippians" in Barton, John and Muddiman, John (eds.) The Oxford Bible Commentary
(p. 190) Oxford University Press, 2001
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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