Courage for Life for Men - Flipbook - Page 11
L E T T E R S O F PAU L
1497
Philippians
W H O I S T H E A U T H O R ? The apostle Paul is the author of this letter, and Timothy was
its co-sender (1:1, page 1498).Timothy was a co-sender of five other letters (2 Corinthians,
Colossians, 1–2 Thessalonians, and Philemon).
W H O I S T H E A U D I E N C E ? The church in Philippi was founded around AD 50 by Paul,
Silas, and Timothy during Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 16, page 1395).
W H E N W A S I T W R I T T E N ? Philippians is one of the four letters (along with Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon) that Paul wrote while imprisoned, possibly during his
house arrest in Rome (AD 60–62).
W H E R E D I D T H E E V E N T S T A K E P L A C E ? The city of Philippi was in the province
of Macedonia (modern-day northern and central Greece). It was located on an important
trade route known as the Egnatian Way, which connected Rome with the city of
Byzantium (in modern-day Turkey).
W H A T W A S H A P P E N I N G ? Paul wanted to thank the Philippians for their generous
gift, which had been delivered to Paul by Epaphroditus. Paul also wanted to encourage
the Philippians not to be misled by those who insisted that Gentile Christians must adopt
Jewish rituals to be saved.
W H Y W A S I T W R I T T E N ? Philippians is a letter of encouragement, both to the
original recipients and now to us. Paul wrote to encourage believers to maintain joy in
suffering and unity in the church for the sake of the gospel’s advancement. This letter
uses the words joy and rejoice more than a dozen times, making it one of Paul’s most
uplifting letters. A key verse is Philippians 1:21 (page 1499).
H O W S H O U L D W E R E A D P H I L I P P I A N S ? As you read Paul’s letter to the Philippians, try to think of the most pressing circumstances you are facing, things that may
seem impossible to overcome. Paul’s message is that we should not look at our present
circumstances as the final word. Consider what Paul means when he says, “Don’t worry
about anything” (4:6, page 1501) and “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me
strength” (4:13, page 1503). Even though he was probably chained to a Roman guard as
he wrote this letter, Paul said he could rejoice in everything! God is always greater than
anything we may face, and he will supply all our needs. Discover how you can follow
Paul’s confident example to help you courageously face each day.
For Bible books and their abbreviations, see page A7.
For definitions of theological words, see page 1619.
PHILIPPIANS CAN BE DIVIDED INTO FOUR SECTIONS:
1:1-30
2:1-30
3:1-21
4:1-23
•
•
•
•
Paul’s joy in living for Jesus.
Examples of joyful humility.
Pressing toward the goal.
Exhortation and encouragement.
