Bible Overview: Philippians
Notes
Transcript
Author: Paul
Author: Paul
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
Date: AD 60-62
Date: AD 60-62
(while under house arrest in Rome)
22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
Audience: Believers in Philippi
Audience: Believers in Philippi
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
Purpose: Missionary Update Letter & Encouragement
Themes and Key Verses
Themes and Key Verses
The Philippians’ Support for Paul
1:5, 19; 2:25; 4:10, 14-19
5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
“partnership” (KJV, “fellowship”) translates koinonia, a Greek word that speaks of sharing something together, often even implying financial help — this fits well with the context of Philippians
19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,
just as we pray for our missionaries, the Philippians were praying for Paul
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,
The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus to minister to Paul in prison apparently. Just as many churches send mission teams to help and support a missionary or ministry.
15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.
A major reason for this epistle is that Paul wants to express his thanks for the faithful support of the church in Philippi and to ask for their continued support.
The Spread of the Gospel
1:5, 7, 12, 15-18, 27; 2:22; 4:3, 15
5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
Unity through Humility
1:27; 2:2-8; 4:2-3
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
Warnings against false teachings
3:1-3, 17-19
2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.
18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Living in light of the Gospel
1:27; 2:12-16; 4:6-9
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
Suffering for Christ
1:12-14, 20-21, 29-30; 2:30; 3:8-11; 4:11-13
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Joy in the Lord
1:4, 18, 25; 2:2, 17, 18, 28, 29; 3:1; 4:1, 4, 10
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
It’s easy to be or at least appear joyful when times are easy; but the true test if our joy is in the Lord is in times of suffering; Paul serves as a great example for us in this.
Application
Application
There is great joy when we give ourselves completely to God and work together with other believers to accomplish his purposes.