Philippians Introduction

The more accurately we reconstruct the historical setting, the better chance we have to understand God’s Word. Understanding the background will not guarantee insight into God’s Word (there are plenty of Bible scholars who are clueless about God), but it will give us a framework that the Holy Spirit can use to bring revelation.

During Super Bowl 2005, Ameriquest ran ads with the tag line, “Don’t Judge Too Quickly.” One ad featured a man preparing a beautiful dinner for his wife. Just as she walks in the apartment, their cat, who had been inspecting the cooking, spills the blood-red spaghetti sauce all over the floor and himself. The man bends to pick the cat up while holding a butcher’s knife – the obvious implication is he is in the process of killing the cat. In understanding Scripture the motto is, “Don’t Judge Too Quickly,” always read and understand the context of any Bible text.

Paul’s History with the Philippians

Paul came to Philippi around 50 AD on his second missionary journey after receiving a vision in the night from a man from Macedonian. It was his first church plant in Europe. We do not know how long Paul was in Philippi, but it was brief. Still, he was able to establish deep relationships that lasted throughout his life. They were his “beloved brethren whom he longed to see, his joy and crown.”

The Philippians certainly felt the same way about Paul. When we get to chapter four we will discuss in detail the financial support they continually gave him, but it is sufficient here to know that they were always thinking about him and tending to his needs. They were his “partners in the Gospel.”

Luke informs us of two other visits Paul made to Philippi before the writing of this letter. While on his third missionary journey (55-56 AD), Paul visited Philippi after his three years in Ephesus.  He then made his way to Corinth where he spent three months.  When he left Corinth, he stopped in at Philippi before returning to Jerusalem with the offering for the church.

Unfortunately, neither Paul’s offering nor his presence was well received in Jerusalem. He was arrested and taken to the Roman prison in Caesarea. Two years later he petitioned his case to Caesar and was taken by ship to Rome. After his arrival in Rome, the church in Philippi raised a contribution for him and sent it with Epaphroditus, commissioning him to stay and minister to Paul.

Sometime after delivering the offering, Epaphroditus became deadly sick. The church in Philippi heard of Epaphroditus’ illness and was deeply concerned for him. When he recovered, sometime between 61 and 62 AD, Paul sent him back to Philippi to encourage the church and to deliver this letter.

The Contents of the Letter

The style of Philippians is abrupt and discontinuous – as if Paul was so filled with emotion and affection he could not begin one thought without it leading to another. It is unique in the Pauline corpus because with the exception of a brief exhortation at the beginning of chapter four there is no remonstrance against sin, heresy, doctrinal controversy, leadership crises, or schism. The Philippian church seems to have been a model church.

The primary reason Paul wrote the letter seems to be thanksgiving for their financial gift, but several other reasons are also evident.

• He wrote to explain the situation of his imprisonment. (1:12-14)
• He wrote to explain his attitude towards potential martyrdom. (I:19-26)
• He wrote to explain his plans for Timothy and Epaphroditus. (2:19-24; 2:25-30)
• He wrote to warn against the Judaizers. (3:2-4)
• He wrote to circumvent any possible rivalries or strife. (2:1-4)

One of the most prominent themes in Philippians is joy. Paul used some form of the word joy 19 times in four short chapters.  That is significant when we consider the circumstances of Paul’s’ life at the time of the letter.

“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.”

“But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.”

Another outstanding theme is the person of Jesus Christ.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!”

“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”

In our next installment we will examine chapter one.

Questions For Thought

1. If it is true that, “the more accurately we reconstruct the historical setting, the better chance we have to understand God’s Word,” how would that affect your Bible study?

2. How do you think Paul was able to establish such a deep relationship with the Philippians despite the brevity of his time with them?

3. Why does Paul theme of joy have so much more meaning when we consider his circumstances?