Philippians
Purpose
Philippians is the letter of joy written from a prison cell, and its radiant tone testifies that Christian joy is not the absence of suffering but the presence of Christ. Paul writes to his beloved partners in the gospel at Philippi to thank them for the gift they sent by Epaphroditus, to update them on his circumstances, and to address some strains of pride and division in the congregation. Even in chains, he rejoices that the gospel is advancing through his imprisonment, and he invites the church to adopt the mind that was in Christ Jesus, who, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself" and became obedient to the death of the cross — for which God exalted him so that every knee will bow (2:6-11). Through warnings against confidence in the flesh, exhortations to rejoice, and the promise of the peace that guards the heart, Paul points the Philippians away from anxious self-assertion and toward the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
Author
Paul the apostle
Time Period
Written c. 60-62 AD during Paul's Roman imprisonment
Key Themes
- Joy in suffering
- The mind of Christ and humility
- Gospel partnership
- Knowing Christ
- Contentment and peace
Outline
Thanksgiving and joy in chains (ch. 1): the gospel advancing, to live is Christ and to die is gain, and standing firm in one spirit. The mind of Christ (ch. 2): humility and the Christ-hymn, shining as lights, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Knowing Christ above all else (ch. 3): no confidence in the flesh, the surpassing worth of Christ, pressing toward the goal, and the heavenly citizenship. Peace, contentment, and generosity (ch. 4): rejoicing always, the peace of God, contentment in every circumstance, and the God who supplies every need.