Exposition of Philippians

Introduction
Phil 1:1-2
Philippi on Pauls Second Journey
c. 49-51 AD (Acts 16:9-40)
 The Prison Epistles
Philippians also written
from here and delivered to
Philippi by Epaphroditus
(Phil 2:25-30).

Ephesians,
Colossians,
& Philemon
written from here
and delivered by Tychicus
and Onesimus (Eph 6:21;
Col 4:7-9).
 Introductory Matters for
Philippians
Author: The Apostle Paul, founder of the church at
Philippi and now a prisoner for the cause of Christ
(Phil 1:12-13).
Date: About 62 AD, near the end of Pauls first
Roman imprisonment, and about 10 years after the
initial founding of the Philippian church.
Audience: The church at Philippi in Macedonia,
established on Pauls second missionary journey
(Acts 16:9-40). The church was predominantly
Gentile; there is no record of a synagogue here.
Occasion for the Letter: Paul takes advantage of
Epaphroditus return trip (he had earlier brought a
gift from the Philippians) to write them a letter of
friendship and encouragement.
Character of the book: A personal letter of joyful
encouragement and gratitude from the Apostle
Paul to a church who had faithfully supported him.
Major Themes in Philippians
Joy/Contentment in All Circumstances
The Gospel
Examples
Christ
Paul
Timothy
Epaphroditus
Warning Against False Teachers
Steadfastness/Being of the same mind
 Purposes for Philippians
To provide information to the Philippians on
Pauls circumstances and the ongoing
advance of the gospel
To express Pauls affection for these
believers who had been faithful partners in
the gospel
To warn the Philippians against the Judaizers
and those leading licentious lives
To exhort the Philippians to lives of unity,
humility, joy, and thanksgiving
 Survey of Philippians
Salutation (1:1-2)
Pauls Prayer for the Philippians (1:3-11)
Pauls prayer is one of thanksgiving for the
Philippians participation in the Gospel and
petition for their ongoing growth in knowledge
and discernment.
Pauls Report on His Personal Circumstances
and Their Advance of the Gospel (1:12-26)
Far from restricting the spread of the Gospel,
Pauls imprisonment has caused it to spread
throughout the praetorian guard and
emboldened others in their witness for Christ.
For Paul, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
 Survey of Philippians
Pauls Appeal for a Worthy Walk (1:27-3:21)
Walk worthy and contend as one, even in
suffering (1:27-30)
Pauls Call to Unity (2:1-30)
Be of the same mind by humbling yourself, looking to
Christ as the example (2:1-11)
Work out your salvation with fear and trembling (2:12-
18)
Pauls desire to send Timothy and the need to send
Epaphroditus (2:19-30)
Pauls Call to Steadfastness (3:1-21)
Beware of evil workers (3:1-3)
Paul as one who put no confidence in the flesh (3:4-14)
The need to follow Pauls example (3:15-17) and
warning against those who dont (3:18-21)
 Survey of Philippians
Pauls Final Exhortations (4:1-21)
Stand Firm in the Lord (4:1)
Let Euodia and Syntche Live in Harmony
(4:2-3)
Be Anxious for Nothing (4:4-7)
Focus on What Is Excellent (4:8-9)
Pauls Joy in the Partnership of the
Philippians (4:10-20)
Epilogue (4:21-23)
 Next Time: Pauls
Thanksgiving and Prayer for
the Philippians
Phil 1:3-11