Pauline Epistles · New Testament
Philippians
c. AD 61
- Section
- Pauline Epistles · New Testament
- Events span
- c. AD 61
- Written
- c. AD 61, from Roman imprisonment (in Rome, modern-day Italy)
- Author
- Paul the Apostle
Writing from prison with remarkable joy, Paul thanks the Philippians for their partnership and urges them to rejoice always. He points to Christ's humility as the pattern for unity, counts all things loss for knowing Christ, and promises the peace of God that passes understanding.
Historical setting: Written from Roman imprisonment to the church at Philippi; the Second Temple still standing, Judea under Roman rule.
Key themes
- Joy in all circumstances
- Christ's humility and exaltation
- Unity and humility
- Knowing Christ
- The peace of God
The letter's message
- Paul rejoices that even his imprisonment has served to advance the gospel
- The mind of Christ, who humbled himself to death and was highly exalted
- Paul counts all things loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ
- "Rejoice in the Lord alway"; the peace of God guards the heart
- Contentment in every circumstance through Christ who gives strength
Key lessons
- Joy is possible in any circumstance because it rests on Christ, not comfort; Paul writes his most joyful letter from a prison cell. Phil 1:12–18
- Christ’s self-emptying humility is the pattern for believers: count others above yourself and serve as he did, who humbled himself to the cross. Phil 2:3–8
- Knowing Christ outweighs every other gain; Paul counts all his credentials as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing him. Phil 3:7–8
- Anxiety gives way to peace through prayer and thanksgiving; “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,” then guards the heart. Phil 4:6–7
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”