Philippians

     Author:  (top)

The author claims to be Paul and there is no reason to doubt this view. In fact, regarding authenticity, it seems that the hymn recorded in 2:5-11 receives more attention than the Book itself. There are arguments that the memorable passage describing the servanthood of Christ may have been written by someone else (as a hymn) and incorporated by Paul into the letter. I see no major problem with this possibility; however, showing to any great extent who the composer was (whether Paul or not) is impossible; there is only speculation.

     Date:  (top)

As is common amongst many of Paul's writings, it is hard to name a date any more specific than the late 50's or early 60's, as the dates of composition depend on where he was imprisoned at the time.

     Content:  (top)

• 1:1-2 Paul and Timothy, to the saints at Philippi, grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
• 1:3-11 I thank God every time I remember you because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. It is right for me to feel this way, for all of you share in God's grace with me. I pray that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be godly in all things that you do - to the glory of God.
• 1:12-14 I want you to know that what has happened has served to advance the gospel, as I have been able to witness to those around me.
• 1:15-18 It is true that some preach Christ with false motives, but so long as Christ is preached I am happy!
• 1:19-26 I know that all will turn out for the best: if I live on for some time (which I think now that I will) it will be to serve you. And if not, I would go to be with Christ, which I greatly desire.
• 1:27-30 Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel, and stand firm in one spirit. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.
• 2:1-11 Just as Christ made himself nothing by being made as a man and dying on a cross (for which God exalted him to the highest place, where all will worship him), so should you do nothing out of selfish ambition or desire, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
• 2:12-18 Therefore, become blameless and pure children of God, without fault in a crooked and depraved generation.
• 2:19-30 I hope to send Timothy to you, who is a man seeking the Lord's will, and I am confident that I will come myself soon. I think it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my fellow brother, worker and soldier, whom you sent to take care of my needs. Welcome him, and honor men like him, for he almost died for the work of Christ.
• 3:1-11 Watch out for those who teach other than Christ: there is to be no confidence in the flesh - if anyone could have confidence in the flesh it would be me, but I have none and indeed consider all a loss compared to the righteousness that comes through Christ.
• 3:12-4:1 I have not yet been made perfect, but I, and all who are mature, should press on toward the goal. For enemies of the cross of Christ focus on earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from Heaven, Jesus Christ the Lord, who will transform our lowly bodies to be like his.
• 4:2-3 Help those who have contended at my side in the gospel.
• 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord and seek his peace.
• 4:8-9 Think about godly things, and whatever you have learned from me, put them into practice, and the God of peace will be with you.
• 4:10-13 I rejoice in the Lord over the concern you have for my, but I have learned the secret of contentment in all situations: I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
• 4:14-20 It was good of you to share in my troubles, indeed you Philippians have been with me throughout my ministry and your support is an acceptable sacrifice to God, who will meet all your needs in Christ Jesus. Glory to God!
• 4:21-23 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers and saints send greetings. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.