One of the most popular scriptures in the book of Philippians is Philippians 4:6-7:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.”
This passage is often quoted to encourage believers to trust in God and bring their concerns to Him in prayer rather than being consumed by anxiety. It promises the peace of God as a comforting and protective force in the lives of those who turn to Him in prayer.
The Book of Philippians (PDF download)
An Overview
The Epistle to the Philippians, commonly referred to as Philippians, is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia (modern-day Greece). Here’s an introduction to the Book of Philippians:
- Authorship: The letter is universally attributed to the Apostle Paul, who wrote it during his imprisonment, likely in Rome, around AD 61-63. Paul had a special relationship with the Philippian church, having established it during his second missionary journey (Acts 16:12-40).
- Purpose: The primary purpose of Philippians is to express Paul’s deep affection and gratitude for the Philippian believers and to encourage them to stand firm in their faith, unity, and commitment to Christ. Paul writes to thank the Philippians for their partnership in the gospel and to exhort them to live lives worthy of the gospel message.
Themes
- Joy and Rejoicing: Despite his imprisonment and difficult circumstances, Paul’s letter is characterized by joy and rejoicing. He encourages the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always and to find contentment and peace in Christ, regardless of their circumstances.
- Unity and Humility: Paul emphasizes the importance of unity, humility, and mutual love among believers. He encourages the Philippians to have the same mind and attitude as Christ, who humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death on the cross.
- Partnership in the Gospel: Paul expresses gratitude for the Philippian church’s partnership in the gospel, acknowledging their financial support and prayers for his ministry. He encourages them to continue to support the work of the gospel and to stand firm in their commitment to Christ.
- Pressing Forward in Christ: Paul encourages the Philippians to press forward toward the goal of knowing Christ and becoming more like him. He emphasizes the surpassing value of knowing Christ and the importance of forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.
- Contentment and Trust in God: Paul shares his own experiences of contentment and trust in God, even in the midst of trials and difficulties. He encourages the Philippians to find their sufficiency in Christ and to trust in God’s provision and faithfulness.
Christian Virtues and Ethics
Paul exhorts the Philippians to practice virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness, and to live lives worthy of the gospel message. He provides practical exhortations for Christian living and calls believers to emulate Christ’s example of selflessness and service.
Structure
The Book of Philippians is structured as a letter from Paul to the Philippian believers, with an emphasis on joy, gratitude, and Christian living. It includes:
- Introduction and Greeting (Philippians 1:1-2)
- Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Philippians (Philippians 1:3-11)
- Paul’s Circumstances and the Advance of the Gospel (Philippians 1:12-30)
- The Example of Christ’s Humility (Philippians 2:1-18)
- Timothy and Epaphroditus Commended (Philippians 2:19-30)
- Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1-4:1)
- Final Exhortations and Greetings (Philippians 4:2-23)
In summary, the Book of Philippians is a letter of joy and encouragement, emphasizing the believer’s identity in Christ, the importance of unity and humility, and the surpassing value of knowing Christ. It challenges believers to live lives worthy of the gospel and to find contentment and joy in Christ alone.