Title and Author: The book of Philippians is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. The title "Philippians" refers to the recipients of the letter, the Christian community in Philippi. Paul, a key figure in the early Christian church, is recognized for his missionary journeys and epistles, which form a significant portion of the New Testament.

Historical Context: Philippians was written around A.D. 60-62 during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome. Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia, known for its strategic location and Roman citizenship privileges. The church in Philippi was the first European church founded by Paul, as recorded in Acts 16.

Audience: The primary audience was the Christian believers in Philippi. The church was composed of a diverse group, including Lydia, a businesswoman, and the Philippian jailer and his family. The letter also addresses church leaders, referred to as overseers and deacons.

Purpose: Paul wrote to express gratitude for the Philippians' support, to encourage them in their faith, and to address issues of unity and humility. He also aimed to update them on his circumstances and to warn against false teachings.

Genre and Style: Philippians is an epistle, characterized by personal and pastoral tone. It combines theological teaching with practical exhortation.1. Paul (Philippians 1:1)
- Paul is the author of the letter to the Philippians. He is an apostle of Jesus Christ and a key figure in the early Christian church. In this letter, he writes to the believers in Philippi to encourage them and express his gratitude for their support.

2. Timothy (Philippians 1:1)
- Timothy is a close companion and fellow worker of Paul. He is mentioned as a co-sender of the letter. Timothy is well-regarded by Paul and is often entrusted with important missions to various churches.

3. Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25)
- Epaphroditus is a member of the Philippian church who was sent to assist Paul during his imprisonment. He is described as a "brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier" and is highly commended by Paul for his dedication and service.

4. Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:1)
- Jesus Christ is central to the message of the letter. Paul frequently refers to Christ as the foundation of faith, the example of humility, and the source of strength and joy for believers.

5. Euodia (Philippians 4:2)
- Euodia is a member of the Philippian church who, along with Syntyche, is urged by Paul to be of the same mind in the Lord. This indicates there may have been some disagreement or conflict between them.

6. Syntyche (Philippians 4:2)
- Syntyche, like Euodia, is a member of the Philippian church. Paul appeals to both women to reconcile and work together harmoniously for the sake of the gospel.

7. Clement (Philippians 4:3)
- Clement is mentioned as a fellow worker whose name is in the Book of Life. He is part of the community of believers who have labored alongside Paul in spreading the gospel.1. Philippi (Philippians 1:1)
- Philippi is the primary location associated with the letter, as it is addressed to the Christian community there. Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia, known for being the first European city where Paul established a church during his second missionary journey. The city was significant for its strategic location and its status as a Roman colony, which granted its citizens certain privileges.

2. Rome (Philippians 1:13)
- While not directly mentioned by name in Philippians, Rome is implied as the location of Paul's imprisonment. In Philippians 1:13, Paul refers to "the whole palace guard," which suggests he is writing from Rome, where he was under house arrest. Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire and a central hub for early Christian missionary activity.

3. Caesar's Household (Philippians 4:22)
- This refers to the members of the imperial household in Rome. In Philippians 4:22, Paul sends greetings from "those of Caesar’s household," indicating that the gospel had reached even into the emperor's residence. This highlights the spread of Christianity within influential circles in Rome.1. Greeting and Thanksgiving (Philippians 1:1-11)
Paul opens the letter with a greeting to the saints in Philippi, along with the overseers and deacons. He expresses gratitude for their partnership in the gospel and prays for their love to abound more in knowledge and depth of insight.

2. Paul's Imprisonment and the Advance of the Gospel (Philippians 1:12-18)
Paul discusses how his imprisonment has actually served to advance the gospel. He notes that his chains have become known throughout the whole palace guard and that others have been emboldened to speak the word of God more courageously.

3. Living for Christ (Philippians 1:19-26)
Paul reflects on his situation, expressing confidence that through the prayers of the Philippians and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, he will be delivered. He famously states, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

4. Exhortation to Live Worthy of the Gospel (Philippians 1:27-30)
Paul urges the Philippians to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, standing firm in one spirit and contending as one for the faith of the gospel, without being frightened by those who oppose them.

5. Imitating Christ's Humility (Philippians 2:1-11)
Paul encourages the Philippians to be like-minded, having the same love and being one in spirit and purpose. He presents Christ's humility and obedience as the ultimate example, describing how Jesus "made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7).

6. Shining as Lights in the World (Philippians 2:12-18)
Paul instructs the Philippians to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, emphasizing that God works in them to will and act according to His good purpose. He encourages them to do everything without grumbling or arguing, so they may shine like stars in the universe.

7. Commendation of Timothy and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19-30)
Paul plans to send Timothy to the Philippians to bring back news of them. He also commends Epaphroditus, who had been sent by the Philippians to assist Paul and had fallen ill, but now has recovered.

8. Warning Against False Teachers (Philippians 3:1-11)
Paul warns the Philippians to beware of those who promote circumcision as necessary for salvation. He emphasizes that true righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not by the law.

9. Pressing Toward the Goal (Philippians 3:12-16)
Paul shares his personal pursuit of knowing Christ and attaining the resurrection from the dead. He encourages the Philippians to press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

10. Exhortation to Stand Firm (Philippians 3:17-4:1)
Paul urges the Philippians to follow his example and to stand firm in the Lord, warning them about those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

11. Encouragement to Rejoice and Pray (Philippians 4:2-7)
Paul addresses a disagreement between Euodia and Syntyche, urging them to be of the same mind. He encourages the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always and to present their requests to God through prayer and petition with thanksgiving.

12. Focus on What is True and Noble (Philippians 4:8-9)
Paul advises the Philippians to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, and to put into practice what they have learned from him.

13. Acknowledgment of the Philippians' Generosity (Philippians 4:10-20)
Paul expresses gratitude for the Philippians' financial support, noting that he has learned to be content in any situation. He assures them that God will meet all their needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

14. Final Greetings and Benediction (Philippians 4:21-23)
Paul sends greetings to all the saints in Christ Jesus, especially those of Caesar's household, and concludes with a benediction of grace.1. Joy and Rejoicing (Philippians 1:4)
- Paul emphasizes joy and rejoicing throughout the letter, despite his imprisonment. He encourages believers to find joy in their faith and in their relationship with Christ. "In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy."

2. Partnership in the Gospel (Philippians 1:5)
- The theme of partnership highlights the communal aspect of the Christian mission. Paul expresses gratitude for the Philippians' partnership in spreading the gospel. "Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."

3. Suffering for Christ (Philippians 1:29)
- Paul discusses the privilege and purpose of suffering for Christ, encouraging believers to view their hardships as a means to grow closer to Him. "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him."

4. Humility and Servanthood (Philippians 2:3)
- Paul calls for humility and selflessness, using Christ's example of servanthood as the ultimate model. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves."

5. Unity in the Body of Christ (Philippians 2:2)
- Unity is a key theme, as Paul urges the Philippians to be of one mind and spirit, working together for the faith. "Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose."

6. The Mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5)
- Believers are encouraged to adopt the mindset of Christ, characterized by humility, obedience, and self-sacrifice. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."

7. Righteousness through Faith (Philippians 3:9)
- Paul contrasts righteousness based on the law with righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. "And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ."

8. Pressing Toward the Goal (Philippians 3:14)
- The Christian life is depicted as a race, with believers encouraged to press on toward the goal of eternal life in Christ. "I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus."

9. Contentment in All Circumstances (Philippians 4:11)
- Paul shares his secret of being content in any situation, relying on Christ for strength. "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances."

10. Peace of God (Philippians 4:7)
- The peace of God is described as surpassing all understanding, guarding the hearts and minds of believers. "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."1. Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:1)
- Type: Title
- Description: This title emphasizes Jesus as the Messiah (Christ) and His human name (Jesus), highlighting His role as the anointed Savior and His humanity.

2. Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:2)
- Type: Title
- Description: This title combines "Lord," indicating authority and divinity, with "Jesus Christ," underscoring His role as the sovereign ruler and Savior.

3. Servant (Philippians 2:7)
- Type: Role
- Description: Jesus is described as taking the form of a servant, emphasizing His humility and willingness to serve humanity by becoming human and sacrificing Himself.

4. Obedient unto Death (Philippians 2:8)
- Type: Role/Characteristic
- Description: This highlights Jesus' obedience to God the Father, even to the point of dying on the cross, showcasing His submission and sacrificial love.

5. Exalted One (Philippians 2:9)
- Type: Status
- Description: After His obedience and sacrifice, God exalted Jesus, giving Him the highest place of honor, signifying His victory and divine authority.

6. Name above Every Name (Philippians 2:9)
- Type: Title/Status
- Description: This phrase indicates the supreme authority and honor given to Jesus, signifying that His name is above all others in power and reverence.

7. Every Knee Should Bow (Philippians 2:10)
- Type: Prophetic Role
- Description: This expression signifies universal recognition of Jesus' lordship, where all creation will acknowledge His authority and sovereignty.

8. Savior (Philippians 3:20)
- Type: Role
- Description: Jesus is identified as the Savior, emphasizing His role in delivering believers from sin and granting them eternal life.

9. Transforming Power (Philippians 3:21)
- Type: Role/Characteristic
- Description: Jesus is described as having the power to transform believers' bodies to be like His glorious body, highlighting His divine power and the hope of resurrection.1. Prophecy of the Exaltation of Christ (Philippians 2:9-11)
- Statement: "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
- Fulfillment: This is a theological prophecy about the ultimate recognition of Jesus Christ's lordship. It is seen as being fulfilled in the eschatological future when all creation acknowledges Christ's authority.

2. Prophecy of the Day of Christ (Philippians 1:6, 1:10, 2:16)
- Statement: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
- Fulfillment: This refers to the future completion of God's work in believers, culminating in the return of Christ. It is a promise of spiritual growth and ultimate redemption.

3. Prophecy of Paul's Deliverance (Philippians 1:19)
- Statement: "for I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance."
- Fulfillment: Paul expresses confidence in his deliverance, whether through release from prison or through ultimate salvation. This reflects his trust in God's providence and the power of prayer.

4. Prophecy of the Transformation of Our Bodies (Philippians 3:20-21)
- Statement: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body."
- Fulfillment: This prophecy speaks to the future resurrection and transformation of believers' bodies to be like Christ's glorified body, an event associated with the second coming of Christ.

1. Introduction  ( 1:1⁠–⁠11 )

a. Greetings from Paul and Timothy  ( 1:1⁠–⁠2 )

b. Thanksgiving and Prayer  ( 1:3⁠–⁠11 )

2. Paul's Imprisonment  ( 1:12⁠–⁠26 )

a. Trial’s Advance the Gospel  ( 1:12⁠–⁠20 )

b. To Live Is Christ  ( 1:21⁠–⁠26 )

3. Following Jesus’ Example  ( 1:27⁠–⁠2:18 )

a. Worthy of the Gospel  ( 1:27⁠–⁠30 )

b. One in Christ  ( 2:1⁠–⁠4 )

c. The Mind of Christ  ( 2:5⁠–⁠11 )

d. Lights of the World  ( 2:12⁠–⁠18 )

4. Two Examples to Follow  ( 2:19⁠–⁠30 )

a. Timothy  ( 2:19⁠–⁠24 )

b. Epaphroditus  ( 2:25⁠–⁠30 )

5. Warnings against False Examples  ( 3:1⁠–⁠21 )

a. Righteousness through Faith in Christ  ( 3:1⁠–⁠11 )

b. Pressing on Toward the Goal  ( 3:12⁠–⁠16 )

c. Citizenship in Heaven  ( 3:17⁠–⁠21 )

6. Challenge to Live the Example  ( 4:1⁠–⁠23 )

a. Rejoice in the Lord  ( 4:1⁠–⁠9 )

b. The Generosity of the Philippians  ( 4:10⁠–⁠20 )

c. Final Greetings  ( 4:21⁠–⁠23 )