Epistle to the Philippians
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Philippians redirects here. See "Filippians" for sect of Russian Old Believers.
The Epistle to Philippians (or just Philippians) is a book included in the New Testament of the Bible. It is a letter from St. Paul to the church of Philippi.
Background and authorship
The letter was written to the church at Philippi, a city of Macedonia and one of the earliest churches to be founded in Europe. The Philippians were very attached to Paul, and he was very fond of them. The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus, their messenger, with contributions to meet the needs of Paul. The apostle sent the messenger back to them with this letter. It is often called the "epistle of joy" because of its grateful tone and it relative lack of criticism of the Philippian church, as compared with most of Paul's other epistles.
Of all the churches, their contributions (which Paul gratefully acknowledges) are among the only he accepts. (Acts 20:33-35; 2 Cor. 11:7-12; 2 Thess. 3:8). The generosity of the Philippians comes out very conspicuously (Phil. 4:15). Pauline authorship of Philippians is accepted by virtually all Bible scholars, ancient and modern. Some critical scholars question the kenosis passage in Philippians 2:5-11 as dating from a later people. Many scholars recognize as an early Christian hymn, but there is disagreement as to whether it was a psalm that Paul quoted or composed, or which was inserted by a later scribe, reflecting a theology that was not Paul's own.
Paul's mention of the Praetorian Guard, among other things, places him in a Roman prison at the time of writing.
Contents
The contents of this epistle give an interesting insight into the condition of the church at Rome at the time it was written. Paul's imprisonment, we are informed, was no hindrance to his preaching the gospel, but rather "turned out to the furtherance of the gospel." The gospel spread very extensively among the Roman soldiers, with whom he was in constant contact, and the Christians grew into a "vast multitude." It is plain that Christianity was at this time making rapid advancement in Rome.
The doctrinal statements of this epistle bear a close relation to those of the Epistle to the Romans. Compare also Phil. 3:20 with Eph. 2:12, 19, where the church is presented under the idea of a city or commonwealth for the first time in Paul's writings. The personal glory of Christ is also set forth in almost parallel forms of expression in Phil. 2:5-11, compared with Eph. 1:17-23; 2:8; Col. 1:15-20.
The is addressed from Paul and his disciple Timothy to the church at Philippi, together with its overseers (episcopi—bishops) and deaons. Paul expresses to the Philippians his "joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." Although he is "in chains for Christ," Paul believes that his own suffering has encouraged many others to be courageous in their faith. However, he admits that "some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry." These are apparently men who imply that Paul, who teachings on the Jewish law were still highly controversial in the early church, has somehow deserved his fate: "supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains." Yet Paul rejoices even in this case, because "Christ is preached." Paul does not fear martyrdom, "for to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." He encourages the Philippians to "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ," whatever happens. (Chapter 1)
This means that "each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Christ himself followed this pattern by "emptying" himself of his divinity and taking on the nature of a servant, dying on the cross for the sake of humanity. Yet, as a result, God exalted him and one day, "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." Paul praises the Philippians consistent obedience and urges them "to work out your salvation with fear and trembling," without argument or complaint. Paul hopes to send Timothy back to Philippians with his message, but is even more eager to send Epaphroditus, their own messenger, whom the church sent to assist Paul: "Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ." (Chapter 2)
- 2:5-11 "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! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (NIV)
- 3:7-9 "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith" (ESV)
- 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (NIV)
- 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV)
- 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (NIV)
- 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (NKJV)
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Beare, F. W. (1959). A Commentary on the Epistle to the Philippians. Harper & Row; reprint, Harper’s New Testament Commentaries, ed. Henry Chadwick. (1987). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson.
- Moule, H. C. G. (1981). The Epistle to the Philippians. Baker Book House.
- This entry incorporates text from the public domain Easton's Bible Dictionary, originally published in 1897.
Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, s.v. "Philippians, Letter to the"
External links
Online translations of the Epistle to the Philippians:
Related articles:
- Bible.org introduction to Philippians
- Philippians from the Biblical Resource Database
- Biblaridion magazine: Soteriology and Adam Christology; an examination of OT themes in the Philippians hymn
- A short introduction to Philippians for contemporary readers
| Preceded by: Ephesians |
Books of the Bible |
Succeeded by: Colossians |
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