Bible Book: Philippians

Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.

Author: Paul

Type of Book: Epistle

Outline
Introduction (1:1-11)
Christian Greetings (1:1-2)
Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Philippians (1:3-11)
Paul’s Personal Circumstances (1:12-26)
His Imprisonment Advances the Gospel (1:12-14)
His Joy That Christ Is Proclaimed in Every Way (1:15-18)
His Readiness for Life or Death (1:19-26)
Paul’s Practical Instructions and Concerns for the Church (1:27-4:9)
Paul’s Challenge and Encouragement to the Philippians (1:27-2:18)
Stand Firm Through Opposition (1:27-30)
Be United in Love, Spirit and Purpose (2:1-2)
Serve With Humility and Self-Sacrifice (2:3-11)
Be an Example in Obedience, Attitude and Conduct (2:12-18)
Paul’s Associates in Ministry and Their Examples of Humility and Service (2:19-30)
Timothy (2:19-24)
Epaphroditus (2:25-30)
Paul’s Warning Concerning Incorrect Teaching (3:1-21)
Reject Legalism: Righteousness Through Christ, Not the Law (3:1-11)
Press On Toward the Goal: Forgetting the Past, Reaching for the Prize (3:12-16)
Reject Over-Indulgence: Be Spiritually Minded, Not Earthly Minded (3:17-21)
Paul’s Concluding Counsel (4:1-9)
Stability and Harmony (4:1-3)
Joy and Gentleness (4:4-5)
Freedom From Anxiety (4:6-7)
Discipline in Thoughts and Actions (4:8-9)
Conclusion (4:10-23)
Expression of Gratitude (4:10-20)
Paul’s Contentment in All Circumstances (4:10-13)
The Philippians’ Gifts Toward the Ministry (4:14-18)
God’s Provision for All Needs (4:19-20)
Final Greetings and Benediction (4:21-23)

Theme: Ultimate Joy in Living for Christ

Date of Writing: c. A.D. 62/63

Background
    The city of Philippi in eastern Macedonia, ten miles inland from the Aegean Sea, was named after King Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. In Paul’s day, it was an honored Roman city and a military post.
    The church in Philippi was founded by Paul and his team of co-workers (Silas, Timothy, Luke) on his second missionary journey in response to a God-given vision at Troas (Ac 16:9-40; see map of Paul’s second missionary journey). A strong bond of friendship developed between Paul and the Philippian church. Several times the church sent Paul financial help (2Co 11:9; Php 4:15-16) and contributed generously to his offering for the troubled Christians in Jerusalem (cf. 2Co 8-9). It appears that Paul visited the church twice on his third missionary journey (Ac 20:1, 3, 6; see map of Paul’s third missionary journey).

Purpose
    From prison (1:7, 13-14), most likely in Rome (Ac 28:16-31), Paul wrote to the Philippian Christians to thank them for their generous gift brought to him by Epaphroditus (4:14-19) and to update them on his present circumstances. In this letter, Paul assured the congregation that God’s purposes were being worked out through his imprisonment (1:12-30). He also reassured the church that their messenger (Epaphroditus) had fulfilled his mission faithfully and was not returning to them before he had served as fully as possible (2:25-30). Overall, Paul encouraged the Philippians to press on in their relationship with Christ and to grow in unity, humility, joy and peace.

Survey
    Unlike many of Paul’s letters, Philippians was not written specifically to address church problems or conflicts. Its basic tone, or feeling, is one of gracious affection and appreciation for the congregation. From greeting (1:1) to closing (4:23), the letter focuses on Christ Jesus as the purpose for living, the source of joy and the hope for eternal life for all who follow him.
    Paul does address three minor problems at Philippi. (1) Some were discouraged over his extended time in prison (1:12-26). (2) There was tension and disunity between two women in the church who had previously served with Paul (4:2; cf. 2:2-4). (3) There was the constant threat of false teachers coming from two extremes: (a) those who claim that, in addition to faith in Christ, people must follow certain legal requirements in order to gain spiritual salvation and (b) those who believe that since salvation comes by God’s grace through faith, we can ignore God’s moral laws (ch. 3). In theological terms (i.e., the study of religion and God, particularly relating to the Christian faith), people in the first category of false teaching are often called legalists, while people in the second group are antinomians (“against the law”) or libertines (i.e., people who are unrestrained morally).
    In connection with these three potential problems, we have Paul’s richest teaching about (1) joy in the middle of all life’s circumstances (e.g., 1:4, 12; 2:17-18; 4:4, 11-13), (2) Christian humility and service (2:1-18) and (3) the supreme value of knowing Christ (ch. 3).

Special Features
    Five major features characterize this letter. (1) It is highly inter-personal, reflecting Paul’s close relationship to the Philippian believers. (2) It is highly Christ-centered, reflecting Paul’s deep relationship with Christ (e.g., 1:21; 3:7-14). (3) It contains one of the most insightful and inspiring statements about Christ in the Bible, highlighting both his extreme humility and his supreme honor (2:5-11). (4) It stands out as the NT “letter of joy.” (5) It presents an especially dynamic and challenging standard of Christian living, including the need for humility and servanthood (2:1-8), striving with determination toward the goal (3:13-14), rejoicing in the Lord always (4:4), experiencing freedom from anxiety (4:6), being content in all circumstances (4:11) and doing all things through Christ’s strength (4:13).

Giving credit where credit is due.  These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible.  Don Stamps, editor.  Originally published by Life Publishers.