Philippians

Overview

Philippians is a thank-you letter that became one of the happiest books in the Bible. Paul is in chains and facing a verdict that could go either way, and the word joy runs through all four chapters.

The heart of it is a hymn: Christ, who was in the form of God, emptied Himself, took a servant’s form, and became obedient to death — therefore God has highly exalted Him. That humility is what Paul asks of a church with a quarrel in it.

Background

Philippi was where Paul first preached in Europe: a business woman converted by a river, a slave girl delivered, a beating, and a jailer saved at midnight. The church had supported him ever since, more than once.

Now Epaphroditus has arrived with another gift, fallen dangerously ill, and recovered. Paul sends him home with this letter, some news, and a request that two women in the church settle their difference.

Key themes

• Joy that does not depend on circumstances.
• Humility: esteem others better than yourselves, as Christ did.
• To live is Christ, and to die is gain.
• Contentment is learned, in plenty and in want.
• Partnership in the gospel — giving, praying and standing together.

Outline

1. Chains and joyChapter 1

   The gospel advanced by his imprisonment, and living or dying, Christ is gain.

2. The mind of ChristChapter 2

   The great hymn of His humbling and exaltation, with Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples.

3. Knowing ChristChapter 3

   All his credentials counted loss, pressing toward the mark, citizens of heaven.

4. Peace and contentmentChapter 4

   Two women reconciled, anxiety turned to prayer, and thanks for their gift.

Key passages

• Philippians 1:6 He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it.
• Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
• Philippians 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you — every knee shall bow.
• Philippians 3:7-8 What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
• Philippians 3:13-14 Forgetting those things which are behind, I press toward the mark.
• Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing — and the peace of God shall keep your hearts.
• Philippians 4:11-13 I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
• Philippians 4:19 My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory.

Christ in Philippians

Chapter 2 is the clearest statement in Scripture of what the incarnation cost: He did not grasp at equality with God but emptied Himself, obeyed to the point of death, even the death of the cross. The exaltation that follows is the Father’s answer, and the name above every name is His.

Reading it

• Read it in one sitting and count how often joy or rejoice appears.
• Read 2:5-11 as a hymn — slowly, in lines.
• Remember it was written in chains whenever chapter 4 sounds easy.