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| Survey, Overview, & Chronology of the New Testament |
Philippians
- I. To Whom:
- a. “The saints in Christ Jesus”
- i. Hagios, the most holy people.
ii. The dedicated, separate people (2 Cor 6:14-18).
iii. The only place one can be considered dedicated, hence removed from the
world, is in Christ (Gal 3:27).
- b. “Who are in Philippi”
- i. Located in northern Macedonia, the capital city of the region.
ii. Paul established the church there in Ac 16 on his 2nd missionary journey.
iii. Came to Philippi after receiving the vision (Ac 16:6-10).
- 1. Converted Lydia and her household (vs.14, 15).
2. Then the jailor (vs.25-34).
3. All coverts were taught, believed and were baptized (cf. Ac 18:8).
- c. “Bishops”
- i. Episkopos, an overseer.
ii. Note Ac 20:17-28 & 1 Pet 5:1, 2.
- d. “Deacons”
- i. Diakonos, one who executes the commands of another.
ii. Qualifications are set forth in 1 Tim 3:8-13.
- e. Hence Paul covers all aspects of those who are Christians and shows the proper
government of the church.
- II. Date:
- a. 61-65 A.D.
b. Written from Rome when Paul was in prison.
c. Written at the same time of Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon.
d. Delivered by Epaphroditus (2:25-30), a member of the Philippian church (4:18).
- III. Author:
- a. “Paul” (1:1).
- i. An authoritative apostle (1 Cor 4:9—note the term “us”).
ii. While in prison (1:7, 12-16, 19).
- b. “Timothy” (1:1).
- i. Perhaps as Paul’s scribe (cf. 1 Cor 1:1; 1Pet 5:12).
ii. Joined Paul when he passed through Derbe and Lystra (Ac 16:1-3).
iii. No one like him (2:19-24).
iv. Timothy was faithful (1 Cor 4:17).
- c. Both described as “bondservants of Jesus Christ” (1:1).
- i. Doulos, the slave or property of another.
ii. One who gives himself to be a willing slave of another.
- IV. Purpose:
- a. To set forth the proper thought pattern of a Christian.
- i. 2:5.
ii. Mind of Philippians:
- 1. Faithful (1:3-7).
2. Concerned (1:12-17).
3. Unified (1:27; 2:2).
4. Bold (1:28-30).
5. Evangelistic (4:10-17).
- iii. Mind of Jesus (2:4-11).
iv. Mind of Timothy (2:19-23).
v. Mind of Epaphroditus (2:25-30).
vi. Mind of Paul (3:7-14).
vii. Mind of saints (3:15; 4:4, 6, 8, 9).
- b. To commend for their financial support.
- i. 4:14-20.
ii. They gave, Paul received (v.15).
iii. Sent aid/money (v.16).
iv. Our giving is viewed by God as a great gift (vs.17-20).
- c. To encourage them to fight against the Judaizing teachers.
- i. Warning (3:1, 2).
- 1. “Dogs” because they growl at the gospel of Christ.
2. “Mutilation” because they desire Gentiles to be circumcised (Gal 6:
13).
- ii. Enemies of the cross (3:18, 19).
- 1. Their god—themselves.
2. Their glory—receiving earthly recognition (cf. Matt 6:2).
3. Note that those whom Paul identifies as enemies of cross are those
who professed to be godly men, who professed to be serving and
worshiping God.
- d. To show Jesus as our greatest example (2:4-11), and our hope (4:13).
V. Things to Note:
- a. Christians are citizens of heaven, hence heaven’s laws supercedes all other laws
(3:20).
b. Christianity is a starting over process (3:4-14).
c. Our prayers are to be filled with thanks (4:6).
d. We are to guard our minds (4:8; Prov 23:7; Jms 1:14, 15).
e. It is not wrong to send financial support to fellow workers (4:14-20).
f. Being faithful through suffering encourages others to work harder (1:12-17).
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