Grace Institute: The Pauline Epistles: Philippians: Introduction

Philippians Survey of the New Testament: The Pauline Epistles Winter 2006

Introduction (1:1-2)

Greeting

Author

Paul. When Philippians was written, Paul was in prison, most likely in Rome. For this reason, Philippians, along with Ephesians and Colossians are known as the Prison Epistles .

Audience

The letter is addressed to the church in Philippi. Philippi was a Roman colony where many Roman army veterans had settled in this city. The city was located in Macedonia in a fertile plain. The city was moderately sized, with a population of about 10,000.

The church in Philippi was founded during Paul's second missionary journey (Acts 16). There was no Jewish synagogue in the city, although several Jews met by the River Gangites, and Paul began his preaching ministry there. Lydia was the first Philippian convert, and she became Paul's host. Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi, but were miraculously set free.

The Philippian church was known for its generosity, having provided for Paul's financial support while he was in Thessalonica (4:16) and in Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:8-9), and having contributed generously to Paul's collection for the saints in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:1-3).

Occasion for the Writing

The Philippians had sent further financial support to Paul by the hand of Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus had become gravely ill while visiting with Paul. Having recovered, Paul sent this letter back with him to the Philippians expressing his thanksgiving for their support and assuring them that they need not worry about him in his imprisonment.

This epistle is one of the most personal of Paul's letters. Even his warnings and exhortations are given in the context of his own experiences and his affection for the Philippians. It is an optimistic letter full of affection for his readers. This tone is probably a result first of his deep love for the Philippian church which has been a consistent support for him. However, the tone is also probably a reflection of his age, his imprisonment, and the prospect of his coming execution.

Theme of the Book

The book of Philippians is the book of joy. Throughout the book Paul himself rejoices and he encourages the Philippians to rejoice (and again I say, rejoice!). Paul finds joy in the midst of hunger, financial need and prison for Paul is properly focused on the promotion of the gospel. Paul therefore can call on the Philippians to join him in rejoicing in his imprisonment and in the spread of the gospel.

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance. (Philippians 1:18-19)

Structure of the Book

• Introduction (1:1-2)
• Paul's Joy in the Progress of the Gospel (1:3-30)
• Exhortation to Unity and Humility (2:1-18)
• Regarding Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-30)
• Warning Against the False Circumcision (3:1-4:1)
• Final Exhortations (4:2-9)
• Paul's Joy in the Philippians' Gift (4:10-23)

[Next: Philippians 1:1-2:18]