Philippians

Reading time: 15 minutes
Short of time? Just read 1.1–11; 2.1–11; 4.1–9

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. (Philippians 2.5–8)

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4.4)

I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4.12–13)

Very little. Philippians is quite an easy letter to read!

The authorship of Philippians is attributed to Paul and Timothy and is one of the undisputed letters of Paul.

What do we know about him?

Paul is probably the best–known of all the early Christians. Before encountering Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, he was a zealous Pharisee who sought to maintain the purity of Judaism. After his experience on the Damascus road, he turned his zeal to proclaiming Jesus Christ among the Gentiles. This brought him into conflict with some other early Christians, not least Peter, who thought that followers of Jesus should convert to Judaism. He travelled around the Roman Empire (though primarily in Asia Minor – modern-day Turkey – and Greece) proclaiming the good news and founding communities of Christians as he went. He also wrote a large number of letters, 13 of which are preserved in the New Testament. Philippians is one of these. 

Timothy was born in Lystra in Asia Minor of a Jewish mother and Greek father. Acts 16.1–3 recounts his meeting with Paul in Lystra and Paul’s desire to take him with him on his journeys. Paul often sent Timothy to communities that he had founded to take letters to them, and so that he could report to Paul about what was going on. Two letters in the New Testament (1 and 2 Timothy) are reputed to be letters of encouragement from Paul to Timothy in Ephesus. Christian tradition identifies Timothy as the first Bishop of Ephesus.

Philippians was written while Paul was in prison. Its date depends on which prison you think Paul was in when he wrote it. If he was in prison in Ephesus the letter would date to around AD 52–54; if in Caesarea the letter would date to around AD 58–60; and if in Rome it would date to around AD 62–64.

There are various views on the location of Paul’s imprisonment. Many scholars opt for Rome as the place where Philippians was written, but those who disagree do so vehemently!

What were people feeling? 

We can tell by reading between the lines of Philippians that they were very anxious both about Paul, who was in prison, and about Epaphroditus, who had been sent to visit him in prison by the Philippians but who had then become very ill. The message of Philippians focuses on the ability to rejoice no matter how difficult the circumstances.

A letter – Philippians offers guidance for Christian living focused around two key statements, one about Jesus as servant and Lord (2.5–11) and one about Jesus as Lord and Saviour (3.20–21).

1.1–2 Introduction and greeting
1.3–11 Prayers giving thanks and interceding for the Philippians
1.12—2.30 A life focused on Jesus, servant and Lord
3.1—4.9 A life focused on Jesus, Lord and Saviour
4.10–20 Prayers, giving thanks and interceding for the Philippians
4.21–23 Farewell greetings 

There will be lots of names you will not know; don’t worry if you can’t place them all. The key ones are given below.

Place

Philippi, Macedonia, Thessalonica 

The names of people and peoples

Epaphroditus, Benjamin, Israel, Timothy

Other words 

Imperial guard, Gospel, Hebrew

Notice the theme of preparing for suffering, persecution and even death in Philippians and rejoicing anyway.

There were clearly some issues facing the community at Philippi. As you read see if you can work out what some of them were.

Paul clearly expresses his love for Timothy, for Epaphroditus and for the whole Philippian community in this letter – look out for signs of his affection as you read.

Philippians 3.2–19 warns against self-centeredness. Look at the warnings Paul gives there and ask yourself whether you are in danger of falling into any of those traps.

• Were there any parts of the book that you particularly liked or that inspired you?
• Were there any parts of the book that you disliked or that troubled you?
• What did you think the book was about?
• Joy and rejoicing are themes that recur throughout the letter. What is the difference between being truly joyful and being superficially and insincerely cheerful?
• Discuss the Christ-hymn from 2.5–11 – what did you think about it? What do you think it is trying to communicate to us about Christ and about us?
• Paul talks to the Philippians about imitating him (3.17). Which Christians do you try and imitate and why?
• Did you read anything in the book that touched you, expanded your faith or made you think more deeply about your life and how you live it?