Page 74 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Philippians: A Call to Stand Firm in Christ

Background

Author: Internal evidence identifies Paul and Timothy as the authors. Paul founded the church in Philippi
(in modern-day northeastern Greece) on his second missionary journey, around AD 49–51 (Acts 16:12).

Provenance and date: The letter to the Ephesians was written from prison (Phil 1:12–14; 4:22).
Suggested locations and dates include: Rome (early 60s AD), Caesarea (around AD 58–60), or Ephesus
(around AD 54–55). However, there is no record of Paul being imprisoned in Ephesus. The suggestion of
Ephesus follows the riot which broke out in Ephesus on Paul’s third missionary journey, which may have
landed Paul in prison, but nothing conclusive can be said about it (Acts 19; compare 2 Cor 11:23).

Recipients: Some scholars have noted that In the letter’s opening, “Paul doesn’t need to declare his
apostleship, as he often does when there is a conflict or doubts about his authority (Phil 1:1; compare 2
Cor 1:1; Gal 1:1; 1 Tim 1:1).” 104 The Philippians had supported Paul financially even when he was not in
Philippi (Phil 4:15–16; compare 2 Cor 8:1–4; 11:9), and it appears that they recently had sent
Epaphroditus to deliver gifts to Paul in prison (Phil 2:25; 4:18). However, Epaphroditus became sick
during the journey (2:30), and Paul writes to tell the Philippians that their friend is recovering. He also
thanks the believers for their ongoing support and gives an update on his situation. 105

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). 106

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). 107

Purpose:

104 Barry, J. D., et all
105 Ibid
106 Ibid
107 Ibid

73