Main Idea of Philippians:
Maintaining our joy in the Lord while advancing the Gospel, even in the midst of suffering.
Questions to Consider:
Why did Paul write this letter to the Philippians?
What were the circumstances surrounding the church in Philippi?
How does this letter connect to the broader themes of the New Testament?
Historical Context:
Philippi held a unique status as a Roman colony, founded by veterans of the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. This granted its citizens privileges like tax exemptions and Roman law. As a result, the city was deeply proud of its Roman identity and fiercely loyal to the emperor. This context is crucial for understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by the early church in Philippi, as their allegiance to Christ could be seen as subversive.
The church itself was likely founded around AD 50 during Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 16). It was a diverse community, including Lydia, a businesswoman; the Philippian jailer and his family; and possibly even slaves. Despite their varied backgrounds, they were united by their faith in Christ and their generous support of Paul’s ministry. Paul wrote this letter from prison, most likely in Rome, around AD 60-62.
Cultural Context:
The Greco-Roman world of Philippi was shaped by a hierarchical social structure, where honor and status were highly valued. Patronage and loyalty were key social dynamics, often creating obligations and dependencies. The Christian message of equality in Christ and selfless service challenged these norms. Furthermore, the imperial cult, with its emphasis on emperor worship, created a potential conflict for Christians who declared Jesus as Lord.
The cosmopolitan nature of Philippi, with its diverse population and influences, also meant that the church likely faced challenges in maintaining unity and navigating various cultural perspectives.
Biblical Context:
Philippians stands as a powerful testament to the transformative nature of the Gospel and the life it produces in believers. It echoes key themes woven throughout the New Testament:
The Centrality of Christ:
Like the Gospels, Philippians emphasizes the supremacy of Christ, highlighting His humility, sacrifice, and Lordship. It calls believers to follow His example and find their identity in Him.
Salvation by Grace through Faith:
Echoing Romans and Galatians, Philippians emphasizes that salvation is not earned by works but is a gift of God’s grace received through faith. This underscores the believer’s complete dependence on Christ.
The Christian Life:
Similar to Ephesians and Colossians, Philippians provides practical instructions for Christian living, emphasizing humility, unity, and service. It calls for a life that reflects the Gospel.
Suffering and Perseverance:
Resonating with 1 Peter, Philippians addresses the reality of suffering and persecution, encouraging believers to persevere in faith and find joy even in difficult circumstances.
The Church:
Like 1 Corinthians and other epistles, Philippians highlights the importance of the church community, emphasizing unity, mutual support, and partnership in the Gospel.
A Unique Letter:
Unlike some of Paul’s other letters, Philippians contains very little explicit correction of doctrinal error. This suggests that the church in Philippi was relatively healthy in its doctrine and practice. Instead, Paul focuses on expressing his deep gratitude for their partnership in the Gospel and their generous support of his ministry, particularly during his imprisonment when other churches had abandoned him. This makes Philippians a beautiful model for understanding healthy mission partnerships, characterized by mutual love, support, and a shared commitment to advancing the Gospel.
Connection to the Rest of Scripture:
Philippians echoes the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, emphasizing love, humility, and service. It also complements other Pauline epistles, such as Romans and Ephesians, which expound on the doctrines of salvation and the Christian life. The letter’s focus on joy and perseverance in suffering resonates with the message of 1 Peter, which was also written to Christians facing persecution.
Summary:
Philippians is a letter written by Paul to the church in Philippi, expressing his joy and gratitude for their partnership in the Gospel. It addresses themes of joy, unity, humility, and perseverance in the face of suffering. The letter connects to the broader New Testament message of salvation and the Christian life, and it ultimately points to the supremacy of Christ and the transformative power of the Gospel.
Be Intentional:
This week, read through the entire book of Philippians, paying attention to the themes of joy, unity, humility, and perseverance.
Consider how these themes are relevant to your own life and your local church.
Ask Yourself:
What brings me joy as a Christian?
How can I contribute to unity in my church?
Am I growing in humility and servanthood?
How can I persevere in my faith, even in the midst of challenges?
Bibliography
- Carson, D. A. (1997). The Epistle to the Philippians. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
- Hawthorne, G. F. (1983). Philippians. Word Biblical Commentary. Waco, TX: Word Books.
- Moo, D. J. (2009). The Epistle to the Philippians. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
- The ESV Study Bible. (2008). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
