Articles
Philippians
Philippians
Paul started this church by converting Lydia and the jailer's household (Acts 16). This is one of the warmest and friendliest letters of Paul. There were little if any troubles in this congregation and they had befriended Paul many times.
He begins by telling them of his love for them and his prayer on their behalf. He explains his situation so they cannot be troubled about what they might hear. He finishes by encouraging them to 'let their manner of life be worthy of the gospel'.
Chapter two encourages them to continue with their bond of unity by esteeming each other as having more importance than self. This is what Jesus did for us (2:5-12), this is Paul's example (17-18), Timothy also exemplified this (19-24), and finally, this was the mindset of Epaphroditus showed towards them (25-30).
In chapter 3 the old problem of Circumcision and the keeping of the law seems to have come up. Paul again denies the need of both and gives a history of his own life and religious thinking. He then spends the end of the chapter encouraging them to have one goal and to keep their minds centered on it. "Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (3:20).
Paul begins chapter four exhorting them to continue to rejoice in the Lord and practice the teaching they received from Paul. He explains his financial situation and thanks them for their continued support of him.
Some great passages to study in more detail:
Paul's prayer in chapter 1:
The principle: To live is Christ (1:21-24).
The statement of who Jesus is and what He did for us (2:5-11).
Paul's concept of contentment and confidence in the provision's of God (4:10-20).
Paul's continued emphasis on rejoicing in the Lord.
Churches like this one in Philippi make preaching much easier for preachers. Hugh DeLong
