Philippians 1 - Bible Study

Scripture - Philippians 1

Read: Philippians 1:3-6

The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Introduction)

Background:

On his second missionary journey Paul visited Philippi. Through his ministry there several people trusted Christ as their Savior. Some of these were Lydia and her family and the Philippian jailer and his family Acts 16:14–34.

Soon after Paul’s visit a local church was established in Philippi. The church helped the apostle in different ways so this epistle was written to acknowledge their help, as well as to help them. Philippians is personal and practical in its tone and teaching.

Paul emphasized the need for believers to rejoice in Christ. “Joy” (chara) is used four times (Phil. 1:4, 25; 2:2; 4:1); “rejoice” (chairō) occurs eight times (Phil. 1:18 [twice]; Phil. 2:17–18; 3:1, 4:4 [twice], Phil. 4:10); and “glad” occurs thrice (Phil. 2:17–18, 28). (In Phil. 1:26 the word “joy” is a different Gr. word; there it is the word “glad,” “boast,” or “glory,” [kauchēma], which also occurs in Phil 2:16 and Phil 3:3.)

Paul wrote frequently in this epistle about the mind of a child of God. One’s manner of life is truly a reflection of what occupies his mind.

The Theme of the Epistle

Though many exhortations and challenges are given, one major theme or emphasis pervades the book. All the teachings are expressions or ramifications of this one central truth. This theme is “living the Christian life.”

Chapter 1: The Joy of the Gospel

The Human Author

Clearly the work purports to come from Paul (Phil 1:1). Reference to Timothy is also significant since he was with the apostle when Philippi was evangelized (cf. Acts 16). Also the information the writer gave about himself (Phil. 3:4–6) harmonizes perfectly with Paul’s life. In addition, the writings of the early church fathers attest to Pauline authorship.

The Date of the Epistle

Paul was in bondage when he wrote Philippians. But all do not agree which imprisonment he was experiencing when he wrote the book. Most believe he was in Rome at the time; some suggest he was in Caesarea; and a few argue for Ephesus. The Scriptures give no clear indication of any imprisonment in Ephesus. As for Caesarea, Paul was confined there for two years, but imminent martyrdom is not suggested in the account which describes this confinement (Acts 23–24). His reference to the palace guard (Phil. 1:13) as well as his concern about facing possible death (vv. Phil. 1: 20–26) argue for his writing from Rome. The date of the writing would then be A.D. 61 or 62.

The Historic Occasion

When the Philippian believers heard about Paul’s imprisonment at Rome, they sent Epaphroditus, who may have been their pastor, to minister to him. Epaphroditus personally comforted Paul, expressing to him the affection of the saints in Philippi. And he brought Paul a financial contribution from them so that his confinement would be more comfortable (Phil 4:18). Three times before—twice when Paul was at Thessalonica, and once when he was at Corinth (Phil. 4:15–16; cf. 2 Cor. 11:9)—the saints ministered to his needs.

The Book of Philippians might be called a thank-you note to saints in Philippi for their generous gifts. While Epaphroditus was in Rome, he became so ill he almost died (Phil. 2:27). After he recovered, he took Paul’s letter to the Philippian Christians.

Philippi was a Roman colony (Acts 16:12). After the Battle of Philippi in 42 B.C. some Roman soldiers were ordered by Anthony to live there. Then in 30 B.C. Octavian forced some people in Italy to give up their homes and settle in Philippi and elsewhere. These Philippian residents were given special privileges including the “Italic right.” This meant that the colonists, in return for their displacement, were treated as if their land were part of Italian soil. So the residents were citizens of Rome, their “mother city,” and enjoyed the full rights of Roman citizenship, including exemption from taxes. So Paul’s words (Phil. 1:27) “conduct yourselves” (lit., “live as citizens”) and “our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20) had special meaning to the Christians at Philippi.

The Purposes for the Epistle

The initial reason for writing, as indicated, seems to have been to thank the Philippians for their love gift. But Paul also took advantage of this opportunity to address some of the problems in their church. Apparently rivalry and personal ambition were present among some of the saints (Phil. 2:3–4; 4:2). The Judaizers were also gaining a hearing (Phil 3:1–3). In addition, an antinomian tendency was creeping in (Phil 3:18–19).

Intro:

Paul is dealing with Joy

Unity: Phil. 1:2, 1 Peter 3:8,

The Gospel:

Outline

Paul rejoices in...

The Fellowship of the Gospel Philippians 1:1-11

The Furtherance of the Gospel Philippians 1:12-26

The Faith of the Gospel Philippians 1:27-30

Philippians 1 (KJV 1900)

1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

- Notice Paul’s Title to himself. Romans 1:1, Galatians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1.

- He chose not to be ambiguous

- The correct roles of the church - Saints, Bishops, and Deacons

- His humility is displayed by who he selects to speak to - The word choice places emphasis on the Saints

2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

King James Version Study Bible (Chapter 1)

Fellowship Phil 1:27. Fellowship, one of the keys to spiritual growth, occurs when Christians share their walk with God in an atmosphere of love and respect. Fellowship occurs when everyone communicates in love with other believers, and the whole assembly becomes strengthened as a result. Sometimes fellowship requires confessing our faults (James 5:16) as we strive to develop a unity of spirit and mind. Those who work to hinder the fellowship of the brethren practice a sin that is hated by God (Prov. 6:19).

Illustration: The church at Philippi was particularly noted for its spirit of fellowship, but Paul’s warning to two women in the church reminds how we must constantly work to maintain fellowship (Phil 4:1–3).

Application: Fellowship is so vital that we cannot live for God by ourselves. As we develop deeper relationships with others, we should remember that we come to resemble those with whom we fellowship. (First Reference, Matt. 18:19; Primary Reference, Phil. 1:27; cf. Rom. 6:4–10.)

Paul rejoices for their fellowship in the gospel.

He is Thankful for their fellowship, he is Confident they will remain in it, he Loves them because of their Unity and Fellowship with him in the Gospel.

Notice the Churches consistency in the Gospel. They were from the beginning and still part of his fellowship in the gospel.

6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

-Paul says he loves them

-They took part in his bonds, his defense of the gospel, his confirmation of the gospel.

-They all were there to be partakers of the grace God gave him - They got to see God work through their fellowship - Consider the impact

8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

-Bowels indicate the “innermost parts” The heart, the lungs.

-”I long after you with the heart of Jesus Christ”

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

-Paul tells them his prayer for them. This his Godly Desire for them.

10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

Know what is right and good to do. What are the excellent things?

11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Galatians 5:22-23 “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Illustration: An “Extreme Christian”

Notice the purpose of the fruits of righteousness - they are to bring Glory and Praise to God

12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

Paul rejoices for the furtherance of the Gospel

God’s commission is being fulfilled -

Think about what God’s mission is - To Save Mankind, to Glorify the all powerful, all loving God

Apart from the Gospel, the enemy would always win.

Paul mentions things have “fallen out” because there have been many hard circumstances

13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

2 Corinthians 11:23–30 KJV 1900

23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

What conflict? The conflict that is living for Christ and suffering for him, or dying and going to be with the Lord. He’s telling them which choice is better. Suffer for the Lord. Our faith must be in the gospel.

Not just faith in the Gospel for our own salvation, but faith that the Gospel is the very calling of God on our lives. Our faith that the Gospel is the “excellent thing”