Epistle to the Philippians: An Introduction

Introduction

Philippians is one of Paul’s Prison Epistles, written while he was in jail. Other books in this group include Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, II Timothy, and Hebrews. Despite his imprisonment, Paul did not surrender to despair. Instead, he demonstrated that Christ brings joy in all circumstances—whether in hardship, suffering, or times of peace.
The themes of joy and rejoicing are central to Philippians, with joy mentioned six times and rejoice ten times, earning it the title: “The Epistle of Joy.” If Paul found joy in prison, surely we, too, can rejoice in Christ!

Illustration: The Joy of Christians
A third-century believer facing death once wrote:
“It’s a bad world, an incredibly bad world. But amid it, I have found a quiet, holy people who have discovered a great secret. They have found a joy far greater than worldly pleasure. Though despised and persecuted, they remain unshaken, masters of their souls, having overcome the world. These people are the Christians—and I am one of them.”

I. Historical Background
A. Philippi – The City’s Origins
Philippi was named after Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. By the second century B.C., it became part of Macedonia under Roman rule. The city gained prominence after the Battle of Philippi (42 B.C.), where the forces of Anthony and Octavian defeated Brutus and Cassius, marking the end of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Empire.
Philippi later became a Roman colony (Acts 16:12), attracting military veterans who settled there
B. Founding of the Philippian Church
Paul established the church in A.D. 51 during his second missionary journey. Despite persecution, Paul, along with Timothy and Silas, spread the Gospel across Asia Minor.
C. Key events in the founding of the church:
1. Guided by divine leading (Acts 16:6-7).
2. Founded through a vision, known as the Macedonian Call (Acts 16:8-11).
3. First converts: (a) Lydia, a merchant of purple cloth (Acts 16:14-15), (b) The Philippian jailer and his family (Acts 16:25-34).
D. Key Verse – “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4).
E. The Philippian church was generous and faithful, among the purest in the New Testament.
F. With few synagogues, the congregation was primarily Gentile.

II. Occasion of the Letter
A. Ten years after establishing the Philippian church, Paul found himself imprisoned in Rome (A.D. 61-63). He feared they had forgotten him (Philippians 4:10). Then, unexpectedly, Epaphroditus arrived with a financial gift from Philippi.
B. Epaphroditus nearly died on the journey but recovered (Philippians 2:25-30). Paul, deeply moved, sent back this letter of gratitude.

III. Purpose of the Letter
A. Paul wrote Philippians primarily to thank the church for their gift (Phil. 1:5; 4:10-19). However, he also sought to:
1. Update them on his circumstances (Philippians 1:12-26; 4:10-19).
2. Encourage them to remain steadfast despite persecution (Phil. 1:27-30; 4:4).
3. Urge humility and unity (Phil. 2:1-11; 4:2-5).
4. Commend Timothy and Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:19-30).
5. Warn against false teachings (Phil. 3).

IV. Central Message: Christ Above All
A. Jesus is the source of spiritual fruit (Phil. 1:11).
B. Jesus is the heart of preaching (Phil. 1:18).
C. Jesus is the highest motivation for Christian service (Phil. 1:20-21).

V. Characteristics of Philippians
A. No Old Testament quotations—unlike most of Paul’s epistles.
B. A missionary’s thank-you letter, updating them on the Gospel’s progress.
C. Encourages vigorous Christian living: (1). Humility (Phil. 2:1-4). (2). Pressing toward the goal (Phil. 3:13-14). (3). Prayerful attitude (Phil. 4:6). (4). Strength through Christ (Phil. 4:13).
D. Includes one of the most profound Christological passages (Philippians 2:5-11).
1. Highlights Christian fellowship (Appears 3 times)
2. Fellowship of the Gospel (Phil. 1:5) – Knowing each other.
3. Fellowship of the Spirit (Phil. 2:1) – Knowing ourselves.
4. Fellowship of His suffering (Phil. 3:10) – Knowing Christ.

VI. Conclusion:
Philippians stands as one of Paul’s most personal letters. Even in prison, Paul remained faithful and joyful, relying entirely on Christ’s sufficiency. The letter highlights: humility, perseverance, thankfulness, rejoicing in the Lord always (Phil. 4:4).
Through Christ, we can experience true joy and peace beyond understanding. Come to Jesus and rejoice!