Philippians: The Introduction and Occasion of Writing

Occasion

Paul is in prison. Philippians 1:7, 13-14

Philippians 1:13–14 NKJV

so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Epaphraditus brought a gift and encouragement from the church. Philippians 4:10

Philippians 4:10 NKJV

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

Epaphraditus got really sick. Philippians 2:25-30

Philippians 2:25–30 NKJV

Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

2. Bondservants of Jesus

Paul’s qualifications reflect his purpose in writing.

Galatians Galatians 1:1

Paul’s authority as Apostle is under attack.

Galatians 1:1

Galatians 1:1 NKJV

Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),

Philemon Philemon 1:1

Paul is writing to Philemon about the freedom of his slave Onesimus who has become a brother in Christ.

Philemon 1:1

Philemon 1 NKJV

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer,

Philippians Philippians 1:1

Paul is writing to encourage the Philippians.

Philippians 1:1

Philippians 1:1 NKJV

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Paul is preparing them for a different perspective and perception.

Perspective – What I see.

Paul is in prison.

Epaphraditus is deathly ill.

Perception – How I am thinking about it.

The gospel work is being thwarted.

God’s plan is on hold.

We have lost our dear brother Epaphraditus.

Beyond the physical and the critical.

3. Prayer for the Church

Thankfulness for their partnership. Philippians 1:3-8

Philippians 1:3–8 NKJV

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

Requesting knowledge and discernment on their behalf. Philippians 1:9-11

Philippians 1:9–11 NKJV

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.