THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS
Introduction:
“The small Turkish village of Cavallo is the Naples of Macedonia, the “Neapolis” at which St. Paul landed, and the sea-port of Philippi, the “first city” which the traveller reached on entering this “part of Macedonia,” and a city of no little importance as a Roman military “colony.” The characteristic of a colonia was, that it was a miniature resemblance of Rome. Philippi is not the first city of this kind to which we have traced the footsteps of St. Paul; Antioch in Pisidia, and Alexandria Troas, both possessed the same character: but this is the first place where Scripture calls our attention to the distinction; and the events which befell the Apostle at Philippi were directly connected with the privileges of the place as a Roman colony, and with his own privileges as a Roman citizen.” — The Life and Epistles of St. Paul by W. J. Conybeare.
The Philippian church was an ideal one in many respects. It was very appreciative and benevolent, Philippians 4:15-16; 2 Corinthians 8:2. It was founded by Paul on his second missionary journey, in the midst of a storm of persecution. The beginnings of the work were small, among a few women at the river side. Lydia, a seller of purple, was the first convert, and she was soon joined by the Philippian jailor and his family. These, and perhaps a few others, became the nucleus of the church, Acts 16:12-40.
As to the characteristics of the Epistle, it is a spiritual love letter to the church. It contains outbursts of warm affection and gratitude. Written under hard circumstances, while Paul was a prisoner, he strikes the keynotes of victory and joy:
1) Rejoicing in Prayer, Philippians 1:4.
2) Rejoicing in the Gospel, Philippians 1:18.
3) Rejoicing in Christian Fellowship, Philippians 2:1,2.
4) Rejoicing in Sacrifices for the Cause, Philippians 2:17,18.
5) Rejoicing in the Lord, Philippians 3:1.
6) Rejoicing for the Loving Care of the church, Philippians 4 10.
Writer: The Apostle Paul.
Date: Probably written from Rome between 60 and 64 A.D.
Central Message: Jesus Christ.
1) As the source of spiritual fruit, Philippians 1:11.
2) As the theme of preaching, Philippians 1:18.
3) As the highest motive of Christian service, Philippians 1:20-21.
4) As exhibiting the only perfect spirit and example, Philippians 2:5-11.
5) The knowledge of whom, is the supreme prize for which to struggle in life, Philippians 3:7-14.
6) At whose appearing, believer’s bodies shall be fashioned anew, Philippians 3:20-21.
7) Whose power is limitless in Christian lives, Philippians 4:13.
8) Who is the channel of divine supplies for every need, Philippians 4:19.
Synopsis:
A. The salutation, Philippians 1:1-7.
B. A personal disclosure by the apostle, of his inner life and his attitude toward the church at Philippi.
1. His solicitude for its spiritual development, Philippians 1:8-11.
2. His assurance that his bonds have proven a blessing to many, Philippians 1:12-19.
3. His expectation and desire, and whatever may be the outcome of his imprisonment, that Christ may be magnified by his life or death, Philippians 1:20.
4. His realization of the gain of death for the believer, but feeling that his work is unfinished, he is hoping to visit the Philippian church once more, Philippians 1:21-25.
5. His chief concern is for the faithfulness of the church in the midst of her persecutions, Philippians 1:27-30.
C. Exhortations in respect to Christian life and character:
1. To unity, humility, and self-forgetfulness, Philippians 2:1-4.
2. To the seeking of the mind of Christ, Philippians 2:5-13.
3. To cooperation with God, in working out personal salvation, and to live as the approved sons of God in an evil world, Philippians 2:12-16.
D. The apostle’s commendation of his messengers, Timothy and Epaphroditus, Philippians 2:19-30.
E. Warnings against Judaizers, Philippians 3:1-3.
F. A narrative of the apostle’s experiences:
1. As a high class, zealous Jew, who had abandoned, as worthless, all his legal righteousness, to accept the Righteousness of God by faith in Christ, Philippians 3:4-9.
2. His supreme ambition being, to know Christ and partake of his resurrection and reach the final goal of a Christlike character, Philippians 3:10-14.
G. Further exhortations to the church:
1. To follow the apostolic example, Philippians 3:15-17.
2. To beware of enemies of the cross, Philippians 3:18-19.
3. To be heavenly citizens, looking forward to a great change at the coming of the Lord, Philippians 3:20,21.
4. To steadfastness, unity, helpfulness, moderation, freedom from anxious care, prayerfulness, high thinking, Philippians 4:1-8.
H. Closing words of appreciation, a promise of divine supplies for every need, the salutations and benedictions, Philippians 4:10-23.