Philippians

About Philippians

Philippians is a warm thank-you letter to the first church Paul planted in Europe, written while he sat in chains. Its surprising keynote is joy: Paul rejoices in Christ no matter his circumstances and urges his friends to do the same. At its heart stands an early hymn about Jesus, who humbled Himself even to death on a cross and was raised to the highest place, the pattern for every Christian life.

Written by

Paul wrote Philippians, sending greetings along with Timothy, and his authorship is not disputed.

When

Paul wrote from prison, most likely in Rome around AD 60-62, though some scholars suggest an earlier imprisonment in Ephesus or Caesarea.

Themes

• Joy in every circumstance
• Humility like Jesus
• Partnership in the gospel
• Contentment
• Pressing on toward the goal

Key verses

• Philippians 1:21For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
• Philippians 2:5-8Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form 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.
• Philippians 4:6-7Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.