Mount Isa Baptist Church

Introduction to Philippians

As we start this new series in the Book of Philippians, to prepare ourselves and familiarise ourselves with this incredible Book read the information provided below:

Author: There is little debate or disagreement to Paul being the author of the Philippian letter.

Date: Most agree the Philippian letter was written within the timeframe of 60-63 AD. It was, written while Paul was bound, captive in Rome.

Background: Philippi was the gateway to Europe, being situated on the Egnatian Way, which linked Europe and Asia. Philippi was captured by King Philip of Macedonia (the father of Alexander the Great) in 356 BC. He renamed the city Philippi. When the Romans defeated the Grecians, Philippi became a Roman colony and important military outpost. Since Philippi was granted status as a Roman colony, the people enjoyed privileges associated with Roman citizenship and were loyally devoted to Rome. Such colonies were usually staunchly opposed to anything contrary to Roman culture and practice. Ø Upon hearing the Macedonian call, the Holy Spirit led Paul to Philippi in order to establish a church in this vital region of the world on his second missionary journey. Philippi would serve as the strategic location to spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire. When Paul arrived in Philippi, he was met with opposition, but he remained faithful to the leadership of the Lord. Paul was then forced to leave Philippi, going into Thessalonica, but he left Luke with the newly converted believers. A church was born in Philippi.

Purpose: As we consider the purpose for the Philippian letter, we discover that Paul’s desire was varied. The Philippians had been very gracious and supportive of Paul. They had provided for him financially on more than one occasion. He wanted to express his gratitude for their unfailing support for the ministry and the unwavering love they had shown. He communicated his gratitude to them. He also extended a call for unity among the church. It appears there had been a dispute between two of the women within the church, and he desired them to maintain complete unity, Finally, Paul sought to defend and support Epaphroditus, a brother in the faith who had been sent from Philippi to Rome in order to attend unto Paul. Paul wanted them to receive him without question, knowing he had been faithful unto Paul and hindered physically from returning. Epaphroditus had not abandoned the faith or neglected his responsibilities; he had laboured faithfully alongside Paul.

Theme: Most agree the major theme of Philippians is our joy in Christ the Lord. Many consider this to be the epistle of joy. It cannot be overlooked or missed. Paul speaks of joy or rejoicing at least sixteen times in four chapters. Clearly the joy of the believer is a consistent theme. True to his nature of exalting Christ, Paul also emphasized our being “in Christ” or “in the Lord” throughout the Philippian letter. He sought to ensure the church understood and appreciated their position in Christ. The whole thesis of Paul is that life is "in Christ" and that Christ is to be "in life." Most scholars also agree that the Philippian letter is the most personal of Paul’s writings. It is evident that he loved the church at large, willing to do anything and everything he could for her benefit, but there seems to be a special place in the Apostle’s heart for Philippi.

We see Christ portrayed as Our Life in Chapter One.

He is revealed as Our Example in Chapter Two.

Paul reveals Christ as Our Eternal Hope in Chapter Three.

Christ is displayed as Our Strength in Chapter Four.

I trust the Lord will speak to our hearts, challenging our walk and strengthening our faith, as we move through this precious epistle. I am looking forward to discovering the great truth Paul left for the Philippian church and all who read these eternal words

Shortened info from: Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians. ii Ibid