Paul gave everything in his service to the Philippians … and to all the other churches he served. In fact using the same metaphor in communicating to Timothy, he summed up his life, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come” (2 Tim 4:6).

The apostle anticipated the soon-coming end of his life and ministry (as seen from the context of Phil 2:16) and he viewed the totality of it as an offering to the Lord, the One who alone is worthy of Paul’s complete and ultimate sacrifice. The imagery of the Old Testament ritual of pouring out a drink offering before the Lord is instructive. The drink offering accompanied the other sacri­fices routinely offered at the altar; it was somewhat of a secondary offering. The idea was that the animals or grain offered were pictured as food for Deity, and thus drink would go along it. Obviously God didn’t need physical food, but symbolism involved the people sacrificing what was essential for their own physical well-being. Some of the food was burned up completely (for example, the whole-burnt offering), but a portion of some sacrifices was given to the priests and Levites for their personal use.

Paul pictures his sacrifice of a lifetime in ministry as being secondary to the “sacrifice and service of your faith,” which was a greater sacrifice, in his estimation. The Philippians were repeat­edly facing persecution and were standing firm. Paul found great joy in helping in their spiritual progress. He was not focused on his own ministry, as though it were simply a career choice with its own goals and rewards. He was all about people. He rejoiced to see that his efforts were being fruitful in encour­aging the sacrificial faith of the Philippians.

So the Philippians shouldn’t grieve, but rejoice with Paul as he anticipates his departure. Giving one’s self for the Lord and his people either in life or death is the greatest service and the greatest joy one can experience. Such a life is contagious, for as Paul served them, they also served each other (and they served Paul in their financial support, as we will see later in the letter). The camaraderie of serving was enlarging, having such notables as not just the apostle and the Philippians, but also the Lord Jesus Christ who came not to be served, but to serve (Matt 20:28). This camaraderie includes all who dedicate their lives to pouring out themselves as a drink offering in the service for others.