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, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
• Philippians 4:6-7Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.