There is a short introduction available for the book of Philippians. You can read it here.
Key Themes (Philippians)
The book of Philippians, written by the Apostle Paul while he was imprisoned, is a letter of encouragement, joy, and gratitude to the Christian community in Philippi. Despite his circumstances, Paul emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the Lord and living a life worthy of the Gospel. The letter is deeply personal and reflects Paul’s close relationship with the Philippian church. The key themes include:
- Joy in Christ: A central theme in Philippians is the concept of joy, which Paul mentions repeatedly throughout the letter. Despite being in prison, Paul expresses a profound sense of joy in Christ, encouraging the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always. This theme emphasizes that true joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Christ’s Humility and Exaltation: Philippians includes a significant passage known as the "Christ Hymn" (Philippians 2:5-11), where Paul describes Jesus’ humility in becoming human, His obedience to the point of death, and His subsequent exaltation by God. This theme highlights the humility of Christ as a model for believers and the ultimate victory and glory that comes through self-sacrifice and obedience to God.
- The Call to Unity and Humility: Paul urges the Philippians to live in unity and to regard others with humility. He encourages them to be of the same mind, having the same love, and to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. This theme underscores the importance of unity and humility in the Christian community, reflecting the mindset of Christ in relationships with one another.
- The Pursuit of Christlikeness: Paul emphasizes the goal of knowing Christ and becoming like Him in His death and resurrection. He expresses a deep desire to press on toward the goal of spiritual maturity and encourages the Philippians to do the same. This theme highlights the Christian life as a journey of growth, where believers strive to become more like Christ in every aspect of their lives.
- Contentment in All Circumstances: Paul speaks of learning to be content in any situation, whether in abundance or in need. He attributes his contentment to his reliance on Christ, who gives him strength. This theme emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ and the ability to find peace and contentment in Him, regardless of life’s circumstances.
- Partnership in the Gospel: Paul expresses deep gratitude for the Philippians’ partnership in the Gospel, as they supported him financially and through prayer. This theme highlights the importance of mutual support and cooperation in the mission of spreading the Gospel, demonstrating the close bond between Paul and the Philippian church.
- Living as Citizens of Heaven: Paul reminds the Philippians that their citizenship is in heaven, and he encourages them to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel. This theme emphasizes the identity of believers as citizens of God’s kingdom, with a call to live out that identity through righteous conduct and a focus on eternal values.
- The Peace of God: Paul encourages the Philippians to present their requests to God through prayer and to guard their hearts with the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding. This theme emphasizes the power of prayer and the peace that comes from trusting God, even in times of anxiety and uncertainty.
- The Example of Faithful Leaders: Paul offers himself, as well as others like Timothy and Epaphroditus, as examples of faithful service and dedication to Christ. This theme highlights the importance of following the example of mature believers who demonstrate Christlike character and commitment to the Gospel.
Philippians is a letter filled with warmth, encouragement, and theological depth. Through its themes of joy, humility, unity, contentment, and the pursuit of Christlikeness, it offers practical guidance for living a life that reflects the Gospel. Paul’s emphasis on rejoicing in the Lord and finding strength in Christ serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian life is marked by a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus, which transcends any external circumstances.
What I Noticed Today (Philippians 1-4)
Philippians 1
Paul often begins his letters with doctrine and follows with an application. The letter to the Philippians does not follow this pattern. His letter to the Philippians has doctrine and practical application woven throughout, but the overriding theme of the letter is leading the Christian life.
In verses 1-2, Paul identifies himself as the author, a slave of Jesus Christ. His audience includes the saints in Philippi, along with their overseers (deacons) and elders.
Note: Although Paul mentions Timothy in the introduction, Timothy is not a co-author of the letter. Timothy was with Paul when they first founded the church in Philippi and was with Paul in prison when the letter was written, so he had a special interest in the Philippians.
In verses 3-11, Paul begins with a prayer of thanksgiving for the Philippians.
- Paul always prayed for them with joy because of their partnership in the Gospel.
- Paul is confident that God, who began a good work in them, would carry it on to completion until the day of Christ’s return.
- The Philippians are partners with Paul in grace, both in his imprisonment and in presenting and defending the gospel.
- Paul prayed their love would keep growing in every kind of knowledge and discernment; they will be blameless until Christ’s return, and they will be filled with the fruit of righteousness.
In verses 12-20, Paul explains how his current situation has aided in the spread of the Gospel throughout all the imperial guard.
Note: Although Paul was under “house arrest” in Rome in his own Roman house, he was still guarded by Roman soldiers from the Imperial Guard. Over time, all of these soldiers heard the Gospel from Paul.
Other believers, seeing how Paul preached the Gospel, became bolder themselves and presented the Gospel fearlessly.
- Some preached the Gospel out of sincerity, but some preached the Gospel out of envy, hoping to cause Paul more trouble. Paul did not care whether they preached the Gospel with pure motives or not as long as the Gospel was preached.
- This, Paul said, would lead to his deliverance through their prayers and the Holy Spirit.
In verses 21-30, Paul says the purpose of his life is to live for Christ and exhorts the Philippians to do the same.
- To live is Christ, to die is gain. Paul lived to spread the Gospel but knew that if he died, he would be with Christ. Though he longed to be with Christ, he thought it more important to remain in the flesh.
- Paul expressed confidence the Philippians would continue to grow spiritually, and that would bring him great joy.
- Paul exhorts the Philippians to live their lives in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Then, whether Paul can return to them or not, he will hear about them standing firm in the faith, united. Their courage from God would deliver them from their opponents. Paul warned that in believing in Christ, they would endure the same suffering and face the same struggles as he.
Philippians 2
In Philippians 2, Paul continues the exhortation he began in Philippians 1:27, providing examples for leading the Christian life.
In verses 1-4, Paul uses four “if” statements to describe the reason for his appeal to the Philippians: if there is any love, Spirit, affection, and mercy.
Note: The Greek form of these “if” statements assume agreement. They could also be translated “since”: since there is love, since there is fellowship with the Spirit, since there is affection, and since there is mercy.
- Paul says it will fulfill his joy if the Philippians feel the same way, sharing the same feelings, focused on one goal.
- He warns them not to do anything out of rivalry (selfish ambition), or conceit but in humility, consider others to be more important than yourselves.
In verses 5-11, Paul exhorts the Philippians to make their attitude the same as Christ’s.
Note: This passage is difficult but extremely important to understand the nature of God and the Son.
- In verses 6-8. Christ existed in the form of God. The word translated “form” or “nature” is very important. It could also be translated as “essence.” The very essence of Christ was God. Christ “emptied” himself to take the form of a slave (servant). He became a man in his external form. Christ was fully God and fully man. He humbled himself by being obedient to the Father even to the point of death on the cross.
Note: Christ did not empty Himself of His deity. While theologians debate what this means, it seems likely that Christ emptied himself of his own self-interests in order to be obedient to the Father and the servant of man.
- In verses 9-11. Christ was exalted by the Father, who gave Him a name above all names so that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow on earth and in heaven. Every tongue will confess Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father.
Note: This passage (verses 6-11) may have been an early hymn comprised of two stanzas: verses 6-8 speak of Christ’s humiliation, while verses 9-11 speak of Christ’s ascension.
In verses 12-18, Paul resumes the exhortations to the Philippians he started in verses 2-4. His focus is on practical Christianity, being steadfast, and having personal joy.
- In verses 12-13. Continue to obey God, for it is God who is working in you, enabling you to do His good works.
Note: Paul’s reference to “work out your salvation” does not mean they are to work for their salvation but to put into practice the Christian lifestyle.
- In verses 14-16. Fulfill God’s good purpose (v. 13) by doing everything without complaining or arguing so that you will be blameless in a perverted world. In that way, you will be a light to the world. Hold on (remain steadfast) to the message of life (the Gospel).
- In verses 17-18. Even if Paul is poured out like a drink offering (a sacrifice) for the Philippians, he rejoices in the faith of the Philippians. In the same way, Paul wants the Philippians to be joyful for him.
Note: In all likelihood, Paul envisioned his martyrdom at the hands of the Romans. Even if he dies because of his sharing of the Gospel, he is joyful because of the faith of the Philippians.
In verses 19-30, Paul discusses the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus as servants of Christ and partners in the ministry with Paul.
- Paul hopes the Lord will allow him to send Timothy to them soon so that he may be encouraged by news of them. No one else is like Timothy, who is like-minded (with Paul) in his concern for the Philippians and their relationship to Christ. Timothy’s character was proven as they had served together in ministry like a father and a son.
- Paul also intends to send Epaphroditus, a brother in Christ, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as a messenger and someone who has ministered to Paul’s needs. Epaphroditus had recovered from a serious illness, and Paul was anxious for them to see him again. Epaphroditus had risked his life caring for Paul in Rome since they in Philippi were unable to do so.
Note: The Philippian church had sent Epaphroditus to Paul with a gift of money (Philippians 4:18) for his care. Now Paul was sending him back, presumably carrying the letter to the Philippians.
Philippians 3
After giving the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus to the Philippians, Paul goes on in Philippians 3 to exhort them to lead a similar life.
In verses 1-11, Paul begins a series of exhortations for living a life of service:
- Watch out for the dogs; evil workers who mutilate the flesh. Paul is referring to the Judaizers, who insisted on adding circumcision to the Gospel.
- Paul explained believers were the circumcision, those who serve by the Spirit and boast in Jesus Christ.
Note: Jews believed that circumcision was required to have a right relationship with God. They had confidence in the flesh. Paul is saying those who believe in Jesus are circumcised in their hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- As an example, Paul provides his own biographical background having been circumcised on the eighth day, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews, a zealous Pharisee, he persecuted the church believing that righteousness came from following the Law.
- Paul describes his past life as a loss in view of the value of knowing Christ. He had suffered everything and lost everything to gain Christ. His righteousness came not from following the Law but from God based on faith in Christ. His only goal was to know Christ and the power of His resurrection that one day he might be resurrected like Christ.
In verses 12-21, Paul admitted that he was not yet what he hoped to be in Christ (his goal from verse 10).
- Paul makes every effort to attain the goal because of Christ.
- He does not consider that he has achieved the goal, but he pursues his goal as a prize promised by Christ.
- Therefore, all who are spiritually mature should think this way. We should live up to whatever spiritual truth we have.
- He exhorts them to watch for how those among you live. For there are those that live as enemies of the cross. Their destruction is near. They are focused on 1) their physical desires (their stomachs), 2) they give praise to themselves and not to God, and 3) they are focused on earthly things.
- But our citizenship is in heaven, where Christ will transform our bodies into the likeness of His glorious body (the rapture of the Church).
Philippians 4
Paul closes the letter to the Philippians with some final practical advice about living as a Christian and expresses his appreciation for their support.
In verses 1-3, Paul tells the Philippians they are loved dearly and exhorts them to remain firm in the Lord.
He urges Euodia and Syntyche (two influential women in the Philippian church) to agree in the Lord and for the Philippians to help them because they have been co-workers with Paul contending for the Gospel. Paul also commends Clement to them and other coworkers.
Regarding how they are to live, Paul:
- Urges them to rejoice in the Lord always.
- Let your graciousness be known to everyone.
- Do not be anxious about anything.
- But in everything through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
- And the result is the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds.
- Finally, (indicating his conclusion) to dwell on the things of God:
- Whatever is true.
- Whatever is honorable.
- Whatever is just.
- Whatever is pure.
- Whatever is lovely.
- Whatever is commendable.
- If there is any moral excellence or if there is any praise, think about these things. These things are all excellent and praiseworthy.
- Do what you have learned, received, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
In verses 10-20, Paul expresses his thanks for the support of the Philippians.
- Paul says he has learned to be content in whatever circumstances he is in. He knows what it is like to have little and what it is like to have plenty. The secret to being content is to recognize it is Christ who strengthens me.
- Paul expresses his appreciation for the support of the Philippians again as they were the only ones during the early days of the ministry who helped him. Even when he was in Thessalonica, they provided help for Paul several times.
- Paul considers the offering carried by Epaphroditus a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Because of their faithfulness to Paul, God would reciprocate and care for the Philippians, according to His glorious riches.
In verses 21-22, Paul closes the letter in the typical fashion by sending greetings from the saints in Rome, including those of Caesar’s household.
Note: Paul’s reference to the believers within Caesar’s household indicates that the Gospel had spread well beyond the soldiers who guarded Paul.
Some thoughts for further consideration:
- The over-riding theme of Philippians is living the Christian life in a way that brings honor and glory to God. Paul is proud of how the Philippians have grown in their spiritual lives. Are we growing the way we should?
- Whatever work God has for us, have no doubt that He will be faithful to us and help us complete it.
- Paul said he was alive to Christ. Are we alive to Christ as we continue to become more like Jesus?
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
