Landscape of the book of philippians under house arrest as a prisoner in rome, yet full of joy and thankfulness, paul wrote to encourage his fellow servants living in philippi. Philippians 2 is the second chapter of the epistle to the philippians in the new testament of the. Paul wrote his letter to the philippians while in prison, probably in rome. Paul thanks the philippian christians for their generosity and shares how they are all called to imitate jesus selfgiving love. The question of when philippians was written cannot be separated from that of where it was written. Pauls primary purpose in writing this letter was to thank the philippians for the gift they had sent him upon learning of his detention at rome 1. Paul had been imprisoned at rome sends the church at philippi a love letter of thanks, commending. List 4 titles given to epaphroditus in verse 25 of philippians chapter 2. The poem retells the gospel story and references adams rebellion from genesis and the suffering.
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being likeminded, having the same love, being. In 356 bce, however, philip ii of macedon, the father of alexander the great. Philippians 2 commentary commentary critical and explanatory. Even though paul founded the church there and explicitly told them everything they ever needed to know about jesus, the. Paul also concerned over the philippians persecution 1. The book of philippians chapter one workbook eeonline biblestudy. Therefore god has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so 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. Christ is clearly the christians example, and paul encourages let this mind be in you, which was also in christ jesus 2. The epistle to the philippians, commonly referred to as philippians, is a pauline epistle of the new testament of the christian bible. The apostle paul wrote this letter to the christians in philippi, probably from rome c. In this chapter, paul is encouraging the people to throw out their confidence in the flesh and. Yet, profound as it is, paul includes it mainly for illustrative purposes. The city was already ancient by the time paul arrived there around 49 ce acts 16. Philippians 2 humble living in light of jesus humble example a.
Upon completion of the study, it is recommended that you discuss your answers and insights with other bible students who also completed the workbook. Plans concerning timothy and epaphroditus were discussed in the final verses of the chapter philippians 2. Nothing in the letter would have motivated a forger to write it. In 168 bc philippi became part of the roman empire when the latter defeated. In the book of philippians, we read a series of short vignettes revolving around the messiah poem in chapter 2. Philippians 1 paul and timothy, servants of christ. The epistle to the philippians chapter two objectives in studying this chapter 1 to appreciate the importance of unity, and how it can be maintained by following jesus example of humility 2 to understand what is involved in shining as lights in the world summary the first chapter included an exhortation to stand fast in one spirit, with. If the journeys described in philippians can be fitted in the two year imprisonment 9 there is evidence that 1 there was a palace guard in rome phil 1. I plead with euodia and i plead with syntyche to be of the same mind in the lord.
What should these attitudes and blessings produce in the lives of gods people 2. Philippians introduction background from the book of acts. Philippi was the first city in presentday europe where paul established a church. When paul sits down to put pen to parchment to write to his friends in galatia, hes not exactly feeling the warm fuzzies for them. This is the secret of all the joy in the philippian epistle. However, the letter to the philippians was to be delivered by epaphroditus, who had come to paul in rome with financial help from the church at philippi philippians 2. The book of philippians free online bible study lessons. This book is known as one of pauls prison epistles colossians, ephesians, philemon, and philippians. Philippians 2 background information with maps and images. Aug 19, 2016 over the next four fridays we are going to be studying the book of philippians together. However, he makes use of this occasion to fulfill several other desires.
From internal considerations it appears that colossians, ephesians, and philemon were written early during pauls roman imprisonment and taken together to asia minor by tychicus col. Introduction to the book of philippians 12 philippians is the epistle of joy and encouragement in the midst of adverse circumstances. Galatians, philippians, and philemon summary galatians. Paul and silas first visited philippi in greece during pauls second missionary journey, which occurred between approximately 49. In fact, its beginnings go back to the fourth century bce when it was occupied by the thracians. Introduction to the book of philippians clover sites. Philippians 4 new international version niv closing appeal for steadfastness and unity. Assignments on philippians 2 try to read the whole book of philippians again as we study chapter 2. The epistle is attributed to paul the apostle and a coauthor named timothy, and is addressed to the christian church in philippi.
His willingness to obey god the father, even being crucified, is the ultimate example of humble service. Paul encourages the philippians to live as citizens of a heavenly city, growing in their commitment to serve god and one another. The traditional view is that philippians, along with the other prison epistles ephesians, colossians, philemon, was written during pauls first imprisonment at rome ca. Watch our overview video on the book of philippians, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Philippians introduction background from the book of. Philippians 2, new international version niv the bible app. The book of philippians 4 failing to give roman citizens a proper trial 16. Philippians derives its name from the greek city where the church to which it was addressed was located. The work of the gospel normally involves the endurance of difficulty, hardship, and persecution. It was written to show his appreciation and love to the philippians in a thankyou letter for their.
Pauls epistle to the philippians in six discussions chi alpha new orleans 2008 discussion 2. How paul wants the philippians to live with each other. Therefore god has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so 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. Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Pauls authorship of this letter is also supported by the testimony of early church fathers such as polycarp and irenaeus. Philippians was written from rome during pauls first imprisonment, about 62 ad. Each study will help your group to understand the text, how we might push against gods desires as revealed in each passage, and how jesus can help us to embrace his desires. But during his time in rome, epaphroditus took ill, which delayed his return home and, therefore, the delivery of the letter 2. In order to accomplish this purpose, the basic contents of the passage will be surveyed.
This exceedingly important chapter containing some of the profoundest christological teaching in the word of god begins with an earnest plea for unity, in which paul stated a fourfold basis of his appeal with an intensity indicating that there was serious personal strife for place among the philippian christians. A map of philippi and surrounding regions the city of philippi and the origin of the church there the city of philippi, as one can see from the map, is located in north eastern greece macedonia. Philippians 2 commentary james burton coffman commentaries. The epistle to the philippians chapter four objectives in studying this chapter 1 to notice pauls tactfulness in dealing with euodia and syntyche 2 to glean pauls secrets for joy, peace, contentment, and strength 3 to consider how paul viewed the philippians generosity towards him summary this final chapter begins with a series of. Paul continued his appeal for the philippians to exercise diligence in christian service and for them to become shining lights in an evil world philippians 2. The apostle paul, joined in his salutation by timothy. Philippi was the first town in macedonia where paul established a church.
This is pauls third rhetorical question in this context. Paul, timothy, and epaphroditus try to be good examples as well. The name jesus in ancient hebrew text yeshua in first century hebrew text. Closing appeal for steadfastness and unity therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom i love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the lord in this way, dear friends. The christian neither, like the formalist, rests in means, without looking to the end, and to the holy spirit, who alone can make the means effectual. Philippians 1 focused on the importance of perspective. The particle in the original is not equivalent to on which account, or wherefore, but merely the lighter conjunction by which an imperative or hortatory clause is attached to what has preceded.
Timothy was to follow after the apostles liberation was decided, when they could arrange their plans more definitely as to where timothy should, on his return with tidings from philippi, meet paul, who was designing by a wider circuit, and slower progress, to reach that city. And then i will be able to boast on the day of christ that i did not run or labor in vain. In the flesh, we are often motivated by selfish ambition or conceit. Intro to philippians biblica the international bible. This series of 8 studies will allow you to cover the entirety of the book of philippians. Paul states he is confident he will go the philippians soon and hopes to send timothy to them soon, but sends epaphroditus. David guzik commentary on philippians 2, where paul exhorts the. Over the next four fridays we are going to be studying the book of philippians together. Intro to philippians biblica the international bible society. Paul writes his letter to the philippians as a grateful friend and a partner in the advancement of the gospel. Chapter 2 frames this concept through the humility shown by jesus christ. Philippians 4 background information with maps and images. Therefore if there is any consolation in christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the spirit, if any affection and mercy, a.
Enduring word bible commentary philippians chapter 2. Philippians chapter 2 has several guidelines concerning love, humility, selflessness and unity. The unanimous testimony of the early church was that the apostle paul wrote philippines. Book of philippians overview insight for living ministries. Summary of philippians in nine steps philippians 14. A christians life, lived for christ, may be hard or easy, but all things can give god glory. The authorship of the book, then, according to most scholars is fairly certain. They key personalities are the apostle paul, timothy, epaphroditus, euodia, and syntyche. Pauls prayer for the philippians was about their love shown in the gift of financial support to him. Book summary the words joy and mind are the words which summarize this book. Polycarps statement can be explained by either a noncanonical letter. Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same. Galatians, philippians, and philemon summary shmoop.
In addition, any relevant issues from the background of the letter will be examined. How does philippians chapter 2 fit with the surrounding context. In it, paul freely expresses his fond affection for the philippians in view of their consistent testimony and support, and lovingly urges them to center their actions and thoughts on the. Polycarps statement can be explained by either a noncanonical letter being written in addition to philippians, or by understanding. Jesus christ is our life chapter 1 jesus christ is our example chapters 2 jesus christ is our prize chapter 3 jesus christ is our peace chapter 4. Jesus is our joy and this joy is grained more and more into our lives as our minds our renewed into his image day by day. Introduction, background, and outline to philippians. It contains one of the most profound christological passages in the nt 2. It was written to show his appreciation and love to. Yes, and i ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with. Philippi was the site of a key military victory by augustus caesar, and as a result it was made a roman colony. Pauls present bondage as well as the numerous times he had to confirm and defend the gospel e. A roman colony, philippi was situated in macedonia, or currentday northern greece.