Introduction to Philippians

Dr. Gail E. Terrell
Pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Hamilton, Ohio

  1. Author.   Paul wrote Philippians (1:1) in about A.D. 63 from his first Roman imprisonment.   Although Timothy is mentioned in the greeting, Paul’s use of the first person throughout the epistle indicates that he is clearly the author.
     
  2. Recipients.   Philippians is written to the Christians in Philippi and to their pastors (bishops) and deacons in their church (1:1, 4:15 ) at Philippi .   Every saved person and every church should receive its teachings so that all church members function together in one spirit ( 1:27 ) as a united church body.
     
  3. Theme.   Rejoicing in the Lord Jesus Christ.
     
  4. Key verses.   4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.   4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men.   The Lord is at hand.   4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.   4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.   4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
     
  5. Key words used in Philippians:   Christ – 38 times; rejoice, rejoiced, rejoicing – 12 times; joy – 6 times.
     
  6. References to the Lord’s church in Philippians:   the word church appears 2 times in Philippians:
    1. 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
      1. Paul was once zealous in his rebellion against God, and he persecuted the church in Jerusalem:   Acts 8:1 ,3 And Saul was consenting unto his death.   And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostle.   8:3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house and haling men and women committed them to prison.   The church in Jerusalem is the only church which the Scriptures describe as persecuted by Paul.   But Paul’s zeal caused him to pursue members of the church as they fled to Damascus .
      2. Since Jesus is the head of each church body, persecuting a church is also persecuting our Lord Jesus Christ.   Jesus revealed to Paul on the road to Damascus :   Acts 9:3-5 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecuteth thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord?   And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:   it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
    2. 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.   The church at Philippi was very generous and sent money and other aid to Paul as he traveled as a missionary:   4:16-19 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.   17   Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.   18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.   19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.   This wonderful example of generosity should be followed by all churches.
  7. Philippians has 4 chapters, 103 verses, and about 2,002 words.

Notes