Philippians
Book Overview
Author: Paul the Apostle Date of Writing: Approximately 60-62 AD (from prison in Rome) Historical Context: Prison epistle; written to church that supported Paul's ministry Original Audience: Church in Philippi (first European church, founded on Paul's second journey) Purpose: To thank the Philippians for their support and encourage joy and unity despite circumstances Genre: Epistle; warm and personal
One-Sentence Summary
Rejoice always in Christ regardless of circumstances, adopting His humble mindset, pressing toward spiritual maturity, and finding contentment through His strength.
Book Structure
I. Introduction: Partnership and Prayer (1:1-11)
- Greeting and thanksgiving for partnership
- Prayer for love and discernment
II. Paul's Circumstances: Joy in Adversity (1:12-26)
- Imprisonment advances the gospel
- To live is Christ, to die is gain
III. Exhortations: Living Worthy of the Gospel (1:27-2:18)
- Stand firm and strive together (1:27-30)
- Adopt Christ's humble mindset (2:1-11)
- Work out your salvation (2:12-18)
IV. Personal Examples: Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-30)
- Timothy's genuine concern
- Epaphroditus' sacrificial service
V. Warnings: Beware of False Teachers (3:1-4:1)
- Confidence in Christ, not flesh (3:1-11)
- Pressing toward the goal (3:12-16)
- Citizenship in heaven (3:17-4:1)
VI. Final Exhortations: Joy and Peace (4:2-9)
- Rejoice always, be anxious for nothing
- Think on noble things
VII. Gratitude: Contentment in All Circumstances (4:10-20)
- Learned secret of contentment
- Strength through Christ
VIII. Conclusion (4:21-23)
- Greetings and benediction
Key Verses
Philippians 2:5-8 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant...he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
- Significance: The Christ hymn that reveals the pattern for Christian humility—though equal with God, Jesus emptied Himself to become a servant, providing the ultimate model for selfless love and sacrifice.
Philippians 3:13-14 - "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
- Significance: Paul's personal testimony of spiritual pursuit, encouraging believers to release past failures and achievements while energetically pursuing spiritual maturity and Christ-likeness.
Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
- Significance: Often misapplied, this verse specifically addresses contentment in all circumstances—Paul's declaration that Christ's strength enables him to endure both abundance and need with equal grace.
Key Themes & Messages
Major Themes
-
Joy in All Circumstances
- "Rejoice in the Lord always" (repeated)
- Joy despite imprisonment and opposition
- Joy rooted in Christ, not circumstances
- Most joyful letter written from prison
-
The Mind of Christ
- Attitude of Christ: humility and service
- Christ hymn (2:5-11): equality with God → death on cross → exaltation
- Empty self, take servant form
- Model for Christian relationships and unity
-
Partnership in the Gospel
- Philippians' financial and prayerful support
- Sharing in Paul's sufferings and ministry
- Epaphroditus' sacrificial service
- Gospel advancement matters most
-
Pressing On Toward the Goal
- Forgetting what's behind, straining toward what's ahead
- Prize of upward call in Christ Jesus
- Righteousness through faith, not law
- Already attained yet still pursuing
-
Confidence in God's Work
- He who began good work will complete it
- God works in you to will and to act
- Anxiety transformed through prayer and thanksgiving
- Peace of God guards hearts and minds
Central Message
Philippians is a joyful letter written from prison, demonstrating that true joy comes from Christ regardless of circumstances. Paul calls believers to adopt Christ's humble, servant-minded attitude, pressing on toward spiritual maturity while rejoicing always. The church is encouraged to unity, avoiding complaining and divisions. God will complete the work He began in believers. The letter models contentment in all situations, strength through Christ, and joy rooted in gospel partnership. Christ is presented as supreme - worth losing everything to gain Him.
Practical Application
For Daily Living:
- Choose Joy: When circumstances are difficult, consciously choose to rejoice in the Lord - joy is not dependent on your situation but on Christ's presence
- Adopt Christ's Mindset: In relationships and conflicts, intentionally consider others' interests above your own, following Christ's example of humble service
- Replace Anxiety with Prayer: When worry strikes, immediately turn to prayer with thanksgiving, letting God's peace guard your heart and mind
- Think on Good Things: Practice Philippians 4:8 by deliberately focusing your thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable
- Learn Contentment: Whatever your current circumstances, practice being content through Christ's strength rather than always wanting more
For Spiritual Growth:
- Study the Christ hymn (2:5-11) regularly to understand the depths of Jesus' humility and exaltation, letting it shape your attitude
- Meditate on Paul's "one thing I do" focus (3:13-14) to simplify your spiritual priorities and press forward without being burdened by past failures
- Practice the discipline of rejoicing in difficulty, recognizing that joy in the Lord is a choice not dependent on circumstances
- Apply Philippians 4:8 by consciously filling your mind with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable
Recommended Resources
Commentaries
Best Overall The Letter to the Philippians (Pillar New Testament Commentary) by Gordon D. Fee - Outstanding blend of scholarship and pastoral warmth on Paul's joyful letter.
For Beginners Philippians (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) by Gerald F. Hawthorne - Clear, accessible exposition of joy, humility, and contentment in Christ.
For In-Depth Study Philippians (NIV Application Commentary) by Frank Thielman - Excellent at applying Paul's teaching on joy and Christ-likeness to contemporary life.
Technical/Academic Philippians (Baker Exegetical Commentary) by Moisés Silva - Thorough scholarly treatment with careful attention to Greek text and theological themes.
- Press on toward spiritual maturity by forgetting past failures and straining toward what lies ahead - God is not finished with you yet
- Cultivate gospel partnership by supporting kingdom work financially and prayerfully, following the Philippians' generous example
- Evaluate what you consider gain or loss - count everything as loss compared to knowing Christ Jesus as Lord