Philippians
Introduction to the book of Philippians
The Apostle Paul's letters contain content (teaching, encouragement, rebuke, commands, etc.) and emotion. For example, in II Corinthians, he is sorrowful that the church questioned his sincerity. In the Galatian letter, he was surprised that the church had so quickly turned away from the true gospel. The epistle to the Philippians is no different.It contains instructions about spiritual maturity and what a mature Christian says and does.It has emotion: Paul uses the words joy or "rejoice" 17 times in this short epistle.
Unlike other letters in which he was responding to questions or problems experienced by the various churches he planted, the Philippian letter was written and sent primarily in response to a gift that he had received from this church. In it, he also includes news about his and his co-workers' status in Rome and finishes with an encouragement to pursue a mature Christian lifestyle. His attitude, therefore, is that of a proud parent joyfully writing to an obedient and successful child, encouraging him to continue growing in Christian virtue and maturity.Theme & Overview
Paul writes to encourage the Christians at Philippi to live joyfully in every circumstance. The most joyous book in the Bible comes from the pen of the author chained to a Roman guard. The "NIV Student Bible" says many scholars believe Paul wrote Philippians in Rome just about the time Nero began feeding Christians to ravenous lions and burning them as torches to illuminate his banquets. In such an environment, how could joy possibly thrive? Paul points to Jesus' death to show that God can take even the darkest moment in history and turn it into good. The cross and Jesus' triumph over death prove that nothing is powerful enough to stamp out a reason for joy "in the Lord," as Paul says. The book of Philippians focuses on the proper Christian attitude during times of suffering. Specifically, this is an attitude of rejoicing. Paul encourages believers to rejoice despite suffering (Philippians 1), rejoice through humble service (Philippians 2), focus on Christ during hard times (Philippians 3), and depend on Christ's strength when struggling (Philippians 4). Chapter 1 includes a brief introduction (Philippians 1:1–2) followed by three key sections. First, Paul gives thanks and Prayer on behalf of the Philippian Christians (Philippians 1:3–11). Second, he focuses on the expansion of the gospel (Philippians 1:12–18). Third, he emphasizes to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:19–30). Chapter 2 emphasizes the theme of rejoicing during times of suffering. First, Paul gives Christ's own example of humility (Philippians 2:1–11). Second, Paul emphasizes believers as lights in a world of darkness (Philippians 2:12–18). Third, he gives instructions regarding fellow Christian workers Timothy and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19–30). Chapter 3 speaks about Christ as the focus during suffering. First, Paul discusses the importance of righteousness through faith in Christ rather than by works (Philippians 3:1–11). Second, Paul talks about straining toward the goal of following Christ (Philippians 3:12–21). Chapter 4 speaks of Christ's strength in times of suffering. This includes prayers and encouragement (Philippians 4:1–9) and a focus on God's provision (Philippians 4:10–20), followed by a short conclusion (Philippians 4:21–23).Here is another view of the "Theme."
The basic theme of the epistle is joy. This idea of rejoicing is found 16 times, appearing in noun forms (1:4, 25; 2:2, 29; 4:1) and verb forms (1:18, twice; 2:17, twice; 2:18, twice; 2:28; 3:1; 4:4, twice; 4:10). There is ample basis for this theme throughout the letter. There is joy in suffering, for through it God accomplishes good (1:12–14). There is joy in the sacrificial giving of oneself (2:17, 18) and of one's goods (4:18) to meet the needs of others and to do God's will, thus following Jesus' example (2:4–11). There is joy in knowing Christ and experiencing His resurrection power (3:8–10). There is joy when harmony prevails among the brethren (2:4; 4:2–5). And there is joy over the adequacy of Christ (4:13, 19), which produces contentment for every circumstance of life.Author
(The apostle Paul is the author of Philippians.) There is little doubt that Paul the Apostle was the author of this letter since he named himself and his co-worker, Timothy, in the opening verse. Early church leaders (Clement, 95 AD, and Ignatius, 107 AD) mentioned this letter and Paul's authorship in their writings concerning the church of that era. There have never been credible or successful challenges to Paul's authorship.Date & Place of Writing
Approximately AD 60–62, during Paul's first Roman imprisonment. This letter is known as a Pauline Epistles, also one of four Prison Epistles.Recipients
The letter is formally addressed "to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi" (1:1). Its address is later confirmed by the author's calling its recipients "Philippians" (4:15).Background
The City of Philippi. The city was established by and named after Philip of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. After Octavian defeated Mark Antony's army at Actium in 31 B.C., Philippi was designated as a military colony with special privileges of citizenship. This may account for the terminology used in Philippians 1:27 (politeuesthe, "to conduct oneself as a citizen") and 3:20 (politeuma, "citizenship"). Proud of their citizenship, its inhabitants called themselves "Romans" (Acts 16:21). The official language was Latin, but the daily tongue was Greek. According to Acts 16:12, Philippi was the "chief city of that part of Macedonia." Its importance lay not least in its being a crossroads lying on one of the main routes between Asia and Europe. On his second missionary journey, the planting of this church about AD. 50 was Paul's first act on European soil. The history of his mission there is recorded in Acts 16:12–40. His sojourn was brief but long enough for him to fall victim to abuse and punishment. The power of his ministry was demonstrated in the deliverance of a demon-possessed girl, in the conversion of Lydia and her household, and in the salvation of the jailer and his family. To this small nucleus, others were later added: Epaphroditus (2:25–30), Euodias and Syntyche (4:2), Clement, an unnamed friend, and other "fellow laborers" (4:3). Judging from these names, the church seems to have been mostly Gentile. The assembly was organized and under the oversight of its leaders, the bishops and deacons of 1:1. The congregation at Philippi quickly became the dearest of all of the apostle's children in the faith. While Paul's relationship with some fellowships (e.g., the Corinthians and the Galatians) was at times strained, his relationship with the Philippians was apparently never marred by misunderstandings or distrust. "From the first day until now" (1:5), they had shared his interests, made his suffering their own, and participated with him in his ministry. Twice they had sent him money at Thessalonica (4:16), once at Corinth (2 Cor. 11:9), and now again at Rome (4:18). Their love for him (1:9) was reciprocated in full measure (1:7, 8). In the epistle, he addresses them three times as "beloved" and calls them "brethren … longed for," and "my joy and crown" (4:1). They are, on the whole, in good spiritual health. Their only flaw is an apparent lack of complete harmony among some of their members. Hence, Paul often summons them to unite (1:27; 2:1–4; 4:2, 3). And a potential danger lies in their enemies, thus occasioning the caution of 3:1–4:1. Despite being under persecution (1:28) and experiencing suffering (1:29, 30), they are doing well. Upon learning of Paul's being sent to prison in Rome, the Philippians sent a gift of money and other helpful items to him by Epaphroditus (4:18), a member of their own congregation. In addition to delivering the gifts, he was to remain for an unspecified time to serve Paul. While ministering to the apostle, he fell ill and almost died (2:26, 27). The Philippians were distressed when they heard of his sickness, and Epaphroditus grieved over their distress for him. All this added anxiety to Paul's already considerable burden. He now writes this epistle, thanking them for their gifts, and sends Epaphroditus home prematurely in order that all three parties may be relieved of unnecessary anxiety for each other. So Epaphroditus arrives back in Philippi with Paul's letter of thanks in hand.Here is another reading of the "occasion of this writing."
Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians during his first imprisonment in Rome. We know that after two years of detention at Herod's Palace in Caesarea by the Sea, he had appealed to Caesar's court for a judgment on his case since both Roman governors (King Felix and King Festus) had refused to release him because they curried the favor of the Jewish leaders who wanted to kill Paul (Acts 24:27; Acts 25:1-3). Paul was eventually sent to Rome. Luke writes in Acts that Paul was under house arrest for an additional two years while awaiting his trial at Caesar's Imperial Court (Acts 28:30). Only one soldier guarded him. He was free to receive visitors who came for teaching and training. This situation would then explain several references made in his letter to the Philippians:His influence: for the gospel on the Praetorian Guard (elite soldiers who served as personal bodyguards to the Emperor or to high-ranking government officials (Philippians 1:13).The travel: of both Timothy and Epaphroditus from Rome and Philippi to bring news and information from the church to Paul and then back to the church at Philippi (Philippians 2:19-30).His gratitude: for their financial help in the past and a recent gift sent to him at Rome while in prison and delivered by Epaphroditus.
This letter then includes greetings, news, teaching, encouragement, and an acknowledgment for a recent gift from the church at Philippi.The Purpose & Audience (Reasons for the letter)
The primary aim of the letter is to offer sincere thanks to his beloved converts for their gifts to him. But there are a number of secondary objectives: (1) He seeks to allay their fears for him by informing them of his prison conditions (1:12–20). (2) He explains Epaphroditus's premature return home (2:25). (3) Having been informed by Epaphroditus of the discord between Euodias and Syntyche, he urges the church to live in Christian harmony. (4) He cautions them about their enemies (3:1–4:1), and (5) generally encourages them in the Lord. Philippians is written to a group of believers with whom Paul founded a church during his second missionary journey in approximately AD 49 (Acts 16). Philippi was a Roman colony with believers consisting primarily of Gentiles. This group had donated support to Paul, financially and otherwise, at least three times prior to this letter (Philippians 4:16). They had also delivered another gift through Epaphroditus. This letter was written about 12 years after the founding of the Philippian church, is largely a thank you letter to the Philippians, and, as a result, is mostly positive. However, because Paul wrote this letter during a time of house arrest in Rome, it includes the major theme of rejoicing during suffering. Paul personally identified with those who suffer. He had sympathy for the suffering of Philippian believers and gave much encouragement to help them during times of hardship. Paul also speaks against those who preached out of personal ambition (Philippians 2:3–4; Philippians 1:15–18) and various false teachers (Philippians 3).Key Verses (ESV):
Philippians 1:21: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."Philippians 2:8: "And being found in human form, [Jesus Christ] humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."Philippians 3:7: "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ."Philippians 4:4: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice."Philippians 4:6–7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."Key Passages (NLT):
Php 1:5–7"for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. So it is right that I should…."Php 1:12–21"And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my..."Php 1:25–2:11"Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.…."Php 2:29–3:2"Welcome him in the Lord's love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn't do from far away. Whatever…"Php 3:19–4:10"They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our..."Outline
There are various ways of outlining or dividing up this epistle, and there is no one "official" outline that has to be used.Greeting — 1:1-2Paul's Prayer — 1:3-11Paul's Condition — 1:12-26Maturing in Christ:6 Examples of Christian Maturity — 1:27-4:9Closing Remarks — 4:10-23