Author: There is scarcely any doubt that anyone but Paul wrote Philippians. Paul’s “Macedonian Call” in Troas during his second missionary journey led to his ministry in Philippi with the conversation of Lydia and others. Internal evidence suggests that this epistle was written from Rome (1:3; 4:22), although some commentators argue for Caesarea or Ephesus. It seems that during the writing of this letter Paul’s life was at stake, and he was evidently awaiting the verdict of the Imperial Court (2:20-26).
TIMES: AD 62
KEY VERSES: Php 1:29, 4:4-7;4:13
THEME: Even though Paul probably wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome, the letter is often called the Epistle of joy. It gives us valuable insight into key areas of the Christian life by helping understand how we should identify with Christ in a variety of circumstances. We gain some insight into what Christian relationships should look like and what the content of our prayers for each other should be. Philippians also provides great insight in setting spiritual direction and determining practical priorities. Christians desiring to mature in the Lord will return to study it often.
Thanksgiving
1:1-11 When Paul addresses the saints he means “holy ones” (those who are separated to God) and refers to all believers in Philippi. Overseers refers to those who watch over the spiritual welfare of the local church. Deacons refers to those who serve the congregation in special service capacities. They were charged with the physical and material concerns of the church. (Ac 6:1-7) Paul expresses his love for the Philippians. He thinks of them often in verses 3-6, is concerned about them in verses 7 and 8, and prays for them regularly in verses 9-11.
Paul uses the Greek word for joy five times and the Greek word for rejoice 8 times.
The Gospel is preached
1:12 Paul’s imprisonment was a strategic advance in the kingdom of God because it was clearing a way for the gospel to penetrate the ranks of the Roman military.
1:13 The praetorian guard a group of elite Roman soldiers took turns guarding Paul. And although he could not go out in the world to preach, ironically, God brought the world in to him; hence it was if they were captives and he was free to preach.
1:15-18 Some people were preaching Christ out of envy toward Paul with a competitive spirit, and others who preached Christ were more sincere. Paul felt it didn’t matter, so long as Christ was preached.
1:19,20 Paul just rejoiced and concerned himself in magnifying and exalting Christ. Paul was committed to ensuring that Christ would be made even more conspicuous in his own life than ever.
To Live Is Christ
1:21 For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live]
Paul would experience gain in his own death because he would be with Christ. Paul may have been expressing his confidence that his imprisonment had furthered the gospel and God would use his death to further His kingdom.
1:22,23 Paul did not know which to choose. He saw advantages in both life and death. In life there was the opportunity to minister to people like the Philippians, while death meant being with Christ his Savior.
1:27 …Lead your lives in a manner [that will be] worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Paul commanded the Philippians to shift their perspective from the earthly realm to the heavenly one. They should live in this world as citizens of another world the heavenly kingdom. Their conduct should reveal their heavenly citizenship.
1:28 The Philippians should not be terror-stricken in the face of their enemies.
1:29 We should suffer for Christ’s sake because suffering matures us as Christians in the present and enables us to be glorified with Christ in the future.
Be Like Christ
2:1 If…if…if… The conditional clauses in this verse indicate certainties, not maybes. Here “if” expresses the idea of “since” and each following clause may be considered to be true.
2:2 being of the same mind. Here Paul emphasizes unity in the church. This is the unity that should exist between believers and how they must single-mindedly strive together to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2:3 regard others as more important than yourselves This involves a thorough analysis of facts to reach a correct conclusion about the matter. In other words, each Philippian Christian was to properly assess himself or herself. Such assessment would lead to valuing others.
2:5 Look to Christ Jesus as your example in selfless humility. All godly action begins with a “renewing of the mind.” Right thinking produces right actions. Our actions are the fruit of our deepest thoughts. In yourselves-Thinking and being like Christ are requirements not only for the individual but also for the corporate body of believers. Together, we need to think and act like one being, as the Person of Jesus Christ.
2:7 emptied Himself Christ did this by taking on the form of a servant. He gave up His privileges as God and became a man. While remaining completely God, He became completely human. He added to His divine essence a servant’s essence.
2:8 He humbled Himself Jesus willingly took the role of a servant; no one forced him to do it. Obedient Although he never sinned or did not deserve to die, He chose to die so that the sins of the world would be charged to His account. subsequently, He could credit His righteousness to the account of all who believe in Him. (2 Cor 5:21) Even death on the cross Paul reminds his readers that Christ died by the cruelest form of capital punishment, crucifixion. The Jews considered crucifixion as a curse from God. (Dt 21:23; Gal 3:13)
2:10, 11 Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Paul is saying that everyone will unanimously affirm what God the Father has already stated (Isaiah 45:23) that Jesus Christ is Lord.
2:12 Continue to work out your salvation [that is to cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling. Paul encourages the Philippians to work out their salvation, not work for their salvation. Salvation is compared to a huge gift that has to be unwrapped for one’s thorough enjoyment.
2:13 It is God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
2:14, 15 Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God] so you may prove yourself blameless children of God without blemish in the midst of a perverted generation. Paul describes the world as being the opposite of Christian. The world has turned away from the truth, while on the other hand, it exerts a corrupting influence that is opposed to the truth.
Timothy and Epaphroditus
2:19 Timothy had accompanied Paul on his send missionary journey during which time they established the church at Philippi. He was well-loved by the Philippians and he showed much concern for them.
2:25 Epaphroditus was a Philippian Christian who was sent to Paul to assist him in his ministry. Paul let the people know the effort Epaphroditus had made. He risked his life to do the work of the ministry even though he was sick. His healing was considered as God’s direct intervention.
The Goal of Life
3:2 Paul points to specifically to those who desire to reinstate Jewish religious practices as necessary for salvation. He suggests that these people don’t understand the Old Testament practice of circumcision.
3:3 the true circumcision Paul defines this as a matter of the heart and not of the flesh. He reveals 3 aspects: (1) worshipping God in the Spirit (2) rejoicing in Christ, and (3) placing no confidence in any human honor or accomplishment as a means to reach God.
3:4-8 Paul mentions that he was raised in Jewish tradition in the tribe of Benjamin, was very educated, and became a model Jew. However, when he was converted to be a servant of Christ, all that he thought was important became meaningless and worthless. This was because the priceless privilege of knowing Christ meant so much more.
3:9-12 Paul acknowledges that his righteousness comes from Christ on the basis of faith. He also speaks of the power of Christ’s resurrection, and the fellowship he has with Christ through his sufferings. And he is being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death. Paul wants to be completely obedient to His Father, just as Jesus was obedient to His Father’s will. (Lk 22:42) He continues to press on so he might take hold of that (perfection). Perfection in the Greek means mature or complete.
3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
3:16 Let us stay true Paul command the Philippians to conduct themselves as soldiers who “march inline” together, organized each in his proper position.
3:17 The example of Paul’s life is so evident that one can see it and use it as a pattern for living.
3:19 the glory is in their shame The things in which they take pride are the things that will bring them disgrace or humiliation.
Think of Excellence
4:2 Paul encourages Euodia and Syntyche to reconcile. Not much is known about these two women.
4:4 Rejoice in the Lord The joy of Christians is not based on agreeable circumstances; instead, it is based on their relationship to God. Christians will face trouble in this world, but they should rejoice in the trials they face because they know God is using those situations to improve their character.
4:5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all people.
4:6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. Paul prohibits the Philippians from worrying about their own problems. Instead, they are to commit their problems to God in prayer, trusting that He will provide deliverance.
4:7 stands guard Paul uses a military term to imply that the mind is in a battle zone and needs to be protected by a military guard to prevent a hostile invasion or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from escaping.
4:9 learned This verb conveys both the concept of increasing intellectual knowledge and the idea of learning by habitual practice. In their Christian development, the Philippians had been excellent disciples of Paul.
4:11 I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. Content means self-sufficiency, but for Paul, true sufficiency is found in the strength of Christ.
4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens and empowers me. I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency.
4:19 And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
4:20 To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. The Jewish practice of closing prayers with the word amen carried over to the Christian church as well. When used at the end of a sentence it means “so be it” or “may it be fulfilled.”
CONCLUSION
Paul gives us valuable insight into key areas of the Christian life by helping us understand how we should identify with Christ in a variety of circumstances. We gain some insight into what Christian relationships should look like and what the content of our prayers for each other should be. Philippians also provides great insight in setting spiritual direction and determining practical priorities. Each Philippian Christian was to properly assess himself or herself. Such assessment would lead to valuing others. Christians should seek to use Christ as an example and desire to mature and be complete in the Lord, so they can be used to accomplish God’s will according to His purpose.
Are you willing to suffer for Christ’s sake? Do you rejoice in the Lord regardless of your circumstances? Are you trusting in the Lord? Feel free to share your feelings below.