Book introduction
The book of Philippians
Philippians is a thank-you letter from Paul in prison to a church he loved. It is full of joy. At its center is a hymn about Christ, who emptied himself and became a servant, and was raised and exalted.
Who wrote Philippians?
Paul, with Timothy. Scholars agree it is Paul’s.
When was it written?
About AD 60–62 from Rome, or earlier from Ephesus.
Main themes
- Joy in any situation
- “Rejoice in the Lord always.”
- The mind of Christ
- Humility that puts others first.
- Peace and contentment
- Learning to be content in plenty and in need.
Outline of Philippians
Key verses
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Let your thinking among yourselves be the same as it was in Christ Jesus: Though he was in the form of God, he did not think of being equal with God as something to grasp. Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a servant, coming in the likeness of human beings.
Be anxious about nothing. Rather, in every matter make your requests known to God by prayer and pleading, along with thanks. And God’s peace, which is beyond all understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
I have strength for everything through the one who empowers me.
Quoted from the Lumin Translation.
Where to start
Four chapters. Read it all, then come back to 2:1–11.
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