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Pasa Graphe' Theopneustos Kai Ophelimos (Greek) is one of the most often-repeated passages from the Scriptures, ie, the Bible. The passage appears in the heading of our Facebook page. But what does it say to us in our various tongues? Well, for those of us who speak English, this passage is a bold testimony from the pen of one Paul, a first-century scholar from the Isrealite tribe of Benjamin. It is also a statement steeped in the thelogy of the Biblical narratives. So, Paul wrote to a young ethnic Jew named Timotheus: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable......"
At the time Paul wrote those words, there was not yet a codex known as the "New Testament." The scrolls of papyrus on which were written the Scriptures are what we call today the "Old Testament." In its immediate and limited interpretation, Paul is saying that the messages in the Old Testament are inspired by God. That being so, who is the man who would say that the record of the flood in Noah's day was simply an allegory, and not an historical account?

Philippians

Philippians, Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi, is often called the “epistle of joy.” Over and over, Paul uses words like “rejoice” and “joy.” The secret of joy, he maintains, is the peace that God gives to those who live in union with Jesus Christ.

This emphasis on joy is especially noteworthy because Paul was writing from prison in Rome. But his imprisonment didn’t dampen his spirits; Paul was still filled with the joy of his Lord.

The church in Philippi was the first one Paul established on European soil. It was located in the Roman province of Macedonia. Paul wrote Philippians to thank the Philippian Christians for the gift which they’d sent him. And he used the opportunity to encourage them. He also reminded them that no matter what trials they might face, they must remember their union with Christ, and avoid problems caused by selfish ambition and pride.