 Previous Chapter |
 Return to Outline |
 Ask Questions |
 Next Chapter |
Philippi was named after Philip of Macedonia, its conqueror for the Roman Empire. It was considered very highly by the Romans and was called by them, "Rome of the Middle East". Its citizens were given special privileges by Rome and the people were very proud of their Roman citizenship. The Gospel writer Luke, has a personal connection with this city, some believing that he was the "man from Macedonia" who appealed to Paul to come over and evangelize the Greeks. It was the first city on the European Continent to receive the Gospel. Paul and Silas would have been both killed at Philippi had it not been for their Roman Citizenship and the Philippians respect for it.
The church at Philippi was an ideal church. It was very appreciative of all that Paul did and showed this by being very benevolent in its giving toward the Saints in Jerusalem. It began very small with a group of women meeting at the riverside. Lydia, a woman who sold purple cloth, was the first convert at Philippi. She was soon joined by the Philippian jailer and his family. These and a few others, became the nucleus of the church. (Read Chapter 16 of the book of Acts) Women played an important part in this church probably because of the freedom that was accorded them here and not, apparently, anywhere else. The only rebuke found in the letter is to two women, Euodia and Syntyche, who couldn't get along with each other.
Paul is the undisputed author of Philippians. He was imprisoned in Rome, about AD 60, awaiting trial, when he wrote this letter. Notice that in spite of his imprisonment, he only demonstrated joy in this letter as far as his circumstances were concerned. He was able to do this by having "singleness of mind". His concern was not for himself, it was for Christ. He mentions the name of Christ 17 times in these 4 short chapters. He looked upon this imprisonment as "sent" of Christ, for the purpose of preaching the Gospel.
The theme of the book of Philippians is "Living Victoriously in Christ". Many people have found other ways to describe this book. Some have called it a "choice portion of God's Word in which we can find comfort, encouragement and inspiration." Some think that it is a "place where you can set and rest a while". It have been called "The Believers Book", others have called it "A simple spontaneous, informal, affectionate letter". I'm sure it will mean all of these things to us as we study it and open our hearts to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
| The Believer's Blessings in Christ. | |
|---|---|
| Salutation | 1:1-2 |
| Assurance | 1:3-8 |
| Advancement | 1:9-18 |
| Assignment | 1:19-30 |
| The Believer's Imitation of Christ. | |
| Aspiration | 2:1-11 |
| Application | 2:12-18 |
| Ambition | 2:19-30 |
| The Believer's Doctrine. | |
| Approximation | 3:1-9 |
| Attainment | 3:10-16 |
| Anticipation | 3:17-21 |
| The Believer's Reward. | |
| Adornment | 4:1-7 |
| Accomplishment | 4:8:13 |
| Abundance | 4:14-23 |
Previous Chapter |
Return to Outline |
Ask Questions |
Next Chapter |