Biblical Answer

This passage from Paul's letter to the Philippians is often misunderstood by modern readers. Some people interpret it as Paul asking the Philippians to kill their baby girls, which is morally reprehensible and contrary to biblical teaching. However, this is not what Paul is saying. Paul is actually asking the Philippians to follow a common practice in the Greco-Roman world of the time, where the family would decide whether to keep a newborn baby boy or girl, depending on their financial situation. If they could not afford to raise another child, they would often abandon or expose the baby girl, as they believed boys were more valuable and could provide for the family in old age.

In the context of the ancient world, Paul's request is not a moral endorsement of infanticide or sex-selective abortion, but rather a reflection of the cultural norms of the time. Paul is not advocating for the killing of baby girls, but rather acknowledging the economic realities that many families faced. This is also reflected in the way Paul frames the request, using the phrase "if it is a girl discard it," which is a common expression in the Greco-Roman world, rather than a direct command to kill the child.

Ultimately, Paul's request is not about the morality of infanticide, but about the practical needs of the Philippians and his own desire to support them. Paul is asking the Philippians to help him care for his son, and in return, he will send them some money to help them care for their own child. This is a demonstration of Paul's love and care for the Philippians, and his desire to support them in their own needs, rather than a reflection of any moral ambiguity on his part. As followers of Jesus, we are called to love and care for one another, and to support each other in times of need, just as Paul is doing in this passage. By understanding the cultural context of Paul's request, we can see that it is not a reflection of any moral compromise, but rather a demonstration of Paul's commitment to the well-being of his fellow believers.