Page 83 - Advanced New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Philippi had a strongly Roman character. Before Paul’s time, during the first century BC, Philippi had
become a Roman colony, and many of the empire’s retired soldiers settled there. The importance of
Roman citizenship—deeply valued by those who had it and coveted by those who did not—might be
why Paul emphasizes that Christians are citizens of heaven (3:20). In contrast to Roman citizens, who by
law could not be crucified, Paul urges the Philippians to imitate the humility and obedience of Christ,
who willingly died on a cross (2:5–8). 117

Themes

Philippians is about remaining steadfast in the faith and joy of the gospel. This is clear from Paul’s own
response to his hardships: His imprisonment could have led him to despair, but instead he chose to give
thanks, to be content, and to rely on God’s strength (1:12–19; 4:10–13). Paul advises the Philippians to
take this same approach, urging them to stand firm together for the gospel (1:27–28).

Throughout the letter, Paul uses personal examples—Christ, Timothy, Epaphroditus, and himself—to
show that faithfulness involves humility and often suffering. In several places, he encourages believers
to be of one purpose (2:2; 3:15; 4:2)—serving Christ, who Himself provides the pattern to live by (2:5–8).
Humbling ourselves enables us to find unity with fellow believers in Christ, to stand together in the
midst of suffering, and to rejoice no matter the circumstances. Even when we are afflicted, God’s
power—the same power that resurrected Jesus from the dead (3:10–11)—is at work in us, transforming
us (3:12–21). And there is nothing more valuable than Jesus (3:8–9). 118

Purpose:

Paul had few reasons for writing this book, some of which are: to provide information concerning his
circumstances (1:12-26), encourage them to live in humility and stay in unity as a church (2:1-11; 4:2-5),
thank the Philippians for the financial gift (4:10-18), and to inform them concerning the return of
Epaphroditus (2:25, 26).
Structure

Paul opens Philippians like many of his other letters—with a greeting
(1:1–2), a thanksgiving (1:3–8), and a prayer (1:9–11). Then he reports
about his circumstances (1:12–26), telling the believers not to worry
about him. Even though he is in prison, he sees it as an opportunity to
give thanks. In the next major section (1:27–2:30), Paul instructs the
Philippians to remain united and humble. In a short hymn-like section,
Paul praises the humility shown by Jesus (2:5–11). Timothy and
Epaphroditus also reflect humble service to the gospel (2:19–30). 119

In the next section (3:1–21), Paul warns against false teachers who apparently were telling the believers
to seek righteousness through Jewish practices, like circumcision. Paul tells the Philippians that he went
this route in his earlier days, and he knows it doesn’t work—it actually hindered him from knowing
Christ. The closing section begins by addressing a specific situation: Two women in the church seem to
be feuding, and Paul wants them to reconcile (4:1–3). He urges the Philippians to rejoice in faith (4:4–9),

117 Ibid
118 Ibid
119 Barry, J. D., et all

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