Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe Epistle to the Philippians is one of the Pauline epistles in the New Testament, traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. It is a letter addressed to the Christian community in Philippi, a city in Macedonia. This epistle is known for its themes of joy, unity, and the Christian life, and it provides insight into Paul's relationship with the Philippian church. Authorship and Date The Apostle Paul is widely recognized as the author of the Epistle to the Philippians. The letter is believed to have been written during one of Paul's imprisonments, most likely in Rome, around A.D. 60-62. This dating is supported by internal evidence within the letter, such as references to Paul's imprisonment (Philippians 1:13-14) and his expectation of either release or execution (Philippians 1:20-26). Historical and Cultural Context Philippi was a Roman colony and a significant city in the region of Macedonia. It was the first European city where Paul established a church during his second missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 16. The Philippian church was composed of a diverse group of believers, including Lydia, a seller of purple goods, and the Philippian jailer and his household. The church was known for its generosity and support of Paul's ministry (Philippians 4:15-18). Purpose and Themes The primary purpose of the Epistle to the Philippians is to express Paul's gratitude for the Philippians' support and to encourage them in their faith. Key themes include: 1. Joy and Rejoicing: Despite his imprisonment, Paul emphasizes joy throughout the letter. He encourages the Philippians to "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4) and finds joy in their partnership in the gospel. 2. Unity and Humility: Paul urges the Philippians to maintain unity and humility, following the example of Christ. He writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). 3. The Example of Christ: The Christ Hymn in Philippians 2:5-11 is a central passage that highlights the humility and exaltation of Christ. Paul calls believers to have the same mindset as Christ, who "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). 4. Perseverance and Contentment: Paul encourages the Philippians to persevere in their faith and to find contentment in all circumstances. He famously declares, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). 5. The Day of Christ: Paul looks forward to the "day of Christ" (Philippians 1:6, 10), emphasizing the eschatological hope and the completion of God's work in believers. Structure and Content The epistle can be divided into several sections: 1. Opening and Thanksgiving (Philippians 1:1-11): Paul greets the Philippians and expresses his gratitude for their partnership in the gospel. 2. Paul's Imprisonment and Joy (Philippians 1:12-26): Paul discusses his circumstances and his joy in the advancement of the gospel. 3. Exhortation to Unity and Humility (Philippians 1:27-2:18): Paul calls for unity and presents Christ as the ultimate example of humility. 4. Commendation of Timothy and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19-30): Paul speaks highly of Timothy and Epaphroditus, who have served faithfully. 5. Warnings and Encouragement (Philippians 3:1-4:1): Paul warns against false teachers and encourages the Philippians to press on toward the goal. 6. Final Exhortations and Gratitude (Philippians 4:2-23): Paul provides practical exhortations and thanks the Philippians for their support. Significance The Epistle to the Philippians is cherished for its profound theological insights and practical exhortations. It offers a model of Christian joy and contentment, even in the face of adversity, and calls believers to live in unity and humility, following the example of Christ. The letter continues to inspire and encourage Christians to this day, reminding them of the joy found in a life devoted to Christ. Smith's Bible Dictionary Epistle To The Philippianswas St. Paul from Rome in A.D. 62 or 63. St. Paul's connection with Philippi was of a peculiar character, which gave rise to the writing of this epistle. St. Paul entered its walls A.D. 52. (Acts 16:18) There, at a greater distance from Jerusalem than any apostle had yet penetrated, the long-restrained energy of St, Paul was again employed in laying the foundation of a Christian church, Philippi was endeared to St. Paul not only by the hospitality of Lydia, the deep sympathy of the converts, and the remarkable miracle which set a seal on his preaching, but, also by the successful exercise of his missionary activity after a long suspense, and by the happy consequences of his undaunted endurance of ignominies which remained in his memory, (Philemon 1:30) after the long interval of eleven years. Leaving Timothy and Luke to watch over the infant church, Paul and Silas went to Thessalonica, (1 Thessalonians 2:2) whither they were followed by the alms of the Philippians, (Philemon 4:16) and thence southward. After the lapse of five years, spent chiefly at Corinth and Ephesus, St. Paul passed through Macedonia, A.D. 57, on his way to Greece, and probably visited Philippi for the second time, and was there joined by Timothy. He wrote at Philippi his second Epistle to the Corinthians. On returning from Greece, (Acts 20:4) he again found a refuge among his faithful Philippians, where he spent some days at Easter, A.D. 58, with St. Luke, who accompanied him when he sailed from Neapolis. Once more, in his Roman captivity, A.D. 62, their care of him revived-again. They sent Epaphroditus bearing their alms for the apostle's support, and ready also to tender his personal service. (Philemon 2:25) St. Paul's aim in writing is plainly this: while acknowledging the alms of the Philippians and the personal services of their messenger, to give them some information respecting his own condition, and some advice respecting theirs. Strangely full of joy and thanksgiving amidst adversity, like the apostle's midnight hymn from the depth of his Philippian dungeon, this epistle went forth from his prison at Rome. In most other epistles he writes with a sustained effort to instruct, or with sorrow, or with indignation; he is striving to supply imperfect or to correct erroneous teaching, to put down scandalous impurity or to schism in the church which he addresses. But in this epistle, though he knew the Philippians intimately and was not blind to the faults and tendencies to fault of some of them, yet he mentions no evil so characteristic of the whole Church as to call for general censure on his part or amendment on theirs. Of all his epistles to churches, none has so little of an official character as this. Library The Epistle to the Philippians The Epistle to the Philippians. The Epistle to the Philippians the Variances Amongst the Preachers ... The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians The Epistle of Ignatius to the Philippians The Circumstances Related of Polycarp, a Friend of the Apostles. Introductory Note to the Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians The Epistle of Paul to the Philippians, Practically Explained Phil. 1:01 the Rights and Duties of Lay Churchmen. Epistle of Paul to the Philippians. Resources What is the Epistle of Barnabas? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is an epistle? What are the Epistles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of James - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Epistle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |