Philippians: An Overview

SCRIPTURE

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:1-2, NIV

TIMELINE

Conversion – Macedonian Man – Events of Acts 16 – Roman Imprisonment – Letters

WHO IS WRITING?

1/ Paul

“He was a dynamic missionary, church planter, powerful preacher, caring pastor, gifted evangelist, astute theologian, brilliant teacher, itinerant speaker, and prolific author—all merged into one extraordinary person.” Steven Lawson

Paul is all of this but identifies himself as a bondservant of Christ.

2/ Timothy

Timothy is the young protégé of Paul.

I should have one who is beyond me, one who is beside me, and one who is behind me.

WHEN IS THE LETTER WRITTEN?

This letter is written during Paul’s Roman imprisonment, around 60-62 AD.

WHERE IS THE LETTER WRITTEN TO?

1/ The Town of Philippi

Philippi was a city named after the father of Alexander the Great (Greece).

It was a Roman colony, “Jus Italicum”, and enjoyed the perks and privileges of Rome.

Paul capitalizes on this idea of citizenship in Philippians 3:20.

2/ The People of Philippi

This letter is emotional and personal, calling them “saints” and his “joy” and “crown.”

Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. Philippians 4:14-16, NLT

Three dynamic ministry moments happen in Paul’s first trip to Philippi to set up the church of Christ (Lydia, Slave Girl and Jailer).

In these moments, God is establishing His multi-ethnic and socio-economic kingdom!

WHY IS THE LETTER WRITTEN?

When Paul writes to the Philippians, he is incarcerated in Rome (Caesar’s Household).

The letter is a response to a financial gift sent from the church (Epaphroditus).

WHAT IS THE LETTER ABOUT?

1/ Rejoicing is one theme.

2/ The Gospel is another theme.

3/ Joy is the primary theme.

“Biblical joy, the settled conviction that God sovereignly controls the events of life for believers’ good and His glory, is available to all who obey Him.” John MacArthur

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9, NLT