An Introduction to Paul’s Letter to the Philippians
Here is some background information about the Roman colony of Philippi, the apostle Paul, and his letter to the Philippian church.
Philippians – Bibliography
Here is a list of the books that have been used in compiling these study notes on Paul’s letter to the Philippians.
Paul’s Greeting – Philippians 1:1-2
Paul’s greeting to the Philippians is similar to those in many of his other letters, except that he greets the church’s leaders, the overseers and deacons.
Paul’s Thanks – Philippians 1:3-6
Does God expect us to be perfect? This week we look at what “fellowship” (koinonia) means, at what “perfection” means, and at Paul’s views on giving.
Paul’s Affection – Philippians 1:7-11
What was Paul like as a person? How do love and knowledge go together? What did Paul mean by “defence and confirmation”?
Motives in Ministry – Philippians 1:12-18
Rivalry between Christian ministers is not new or rare. How did Paul feel about ministers who were motivated by ambition and envy?
Paul’s Courage – Philippians 1:19-27
This week we look at Paul’s courage and his statement, “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain” (Philippians 1:19-27).
Suffering and Standing – Philippians 1:27-30
In Philippians 1:27-30, Paul writes about the influence of church leaders, the goal of unity, standing firm in the face of opposition, and suffering.
Harmony and Humility – Philippians 2:1-5
With Jesus’ example in mind, what should be our attitude towards others and our attitude towards ourselves?
The Creed (Hymn) of Philippians 2:6-11
The creed Paul quotes in Philippians 2:6-11 expresses the depths of humiliation Jesus Christ endured as well as his ultimate exaltation which results in glorious cosmic and universal worship.
Living as Lights in the World – Philippians 2:12-18
This article looks at what “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” means and what it means to “shine as stars.”
Timothy and Epaphroditus – Philippians 2:19-30
In Philippians, we get to meet a few people associated with the church at Philippi, albeit briefly, people such as Timothy and Epaphroditus.
Joy in Philippians and in the Bible
This article looks at the theme of joy in the Bible, in both Old and New Testaments, including Paul’s letter to the Philippians.
The Judaisers and Circumcision – Philippians 3:1-3
Who were the Judaisers? And what does Paul say about circumcision in Philippians 3?
Paul’s Hebrew Heritage – Philippians 3:4-8
Paul had a prestigious Jewish heritage but he knew that following the traditions of Judaism would not enable him to gain Christ.
Righteousness and Justification – Philippians 3:9
What is the righteousness that comes from God? What does it mean to be justified? What does it mean to be reconciled with God?
The Onward, Upward Call – Philippians 3:10-14
What is the “upward call of God in Christ” mentioned in Philippians 3:14? Is it heaven or something different?
Maturity and Perfection – Philippians 3:15-19
Paul regarded his goal of spiritual maturity as something all Christians should aim for.
The Day of Christ – Philippians 3:20-4:1
Paul refers to the Day of Christ three times in his letter to the Philippians. What is the Day of Christ? Are you looking forward to this Day?
Ministers at Philippi: Women and Men – Philippians 4:2-5
Women and men ministered together in the Philippian church. Who were these ministers?
Prayer and Peace – Philippians 4:6-9
In Philippians 4:6-9, Paul tells the Christians in Philippi to be “anxious for nothing”, and he provides the antidote for worry and anxiety.