Philippians

Philippi was the first church Paul founded in Europe. This was a Roman colony that had the good fortune of siding with Octavian and Mark Antony in the AD 42 Battle of Philippi. Octavian (later Caesar Augustus) attacked Brutus and Cassius, the murderers of Julius Caesar. He gave the Philippians special status which included less taxation. The Philippians were proud of their status, and Paul plays on that with his emphasis on our heavenly citizenship. 

Paul’s letter to the Philippians is often called “The Letter of Joy.” He probably wrote the letter from prison in Rome. He wrote to thank them for their support by sending Epaphroditus with a gift, and encourage them to know Christ better and to be more like Him. 

Simple Outline

1 Rejoicing in the Gospel
2. Living the Christian Life (Report on Timothy and Epaphroditus)
3. Warnings
4. Exhortations & Thanksgiving

Chapter Notes

01) Even though Paul was in chains he joyfully prayed for the Philippians to abound in love. Paul’s imprisonment emboldened some to preach the gospel. He reported that his life was on the line, but whether he lived or died Christ would be magnified. If he died, he would be with Christ. If he lived, he could help them in their “progress and joy of faith.” He encouraged them to stay faithful even if that involved suffering. 

02) He urged them to be “like-minded” and to put others ahead of themselves. The mindset to follow is that of Jesus, who humbled Himself to die for us and was exalted. This faith works obedience to do the pleasure of God. Paul promised to send Timothy, and he explained that Epaphroditus recovered from a bad illness. Epaphroditus probably carried this letter to the Philippians. 

03) Paul warns against the Judaizers, men who taught that Christianity was just a branch of Judaism, and that salvation was a reward for obedience to the law. Paul gives the Philippians his strong Jewish credentials, and points out his efforts to be saved in this way were rubbish. He emphasized that salvation rests on faith in Christ. This faith leads in the direction of transformation to be like Christ. 

04) Paul urged them to stand fast in the Lord, to resolve differences, to pray, and to focus on praiseworthy things. He commended them for their generosity to him, and assured them that Christ was his strength and theirs. He ended the letter with greetings from some of Caesar’s household who had become Christians.