Philippians
A joyful letter from prison: Christ's humility, shared partnership, and contentment in every circumstance.
Who wrote it
The letter names Paul and Timothy (1:1), and almost all scholars accept it as Paul's. Some think chapter 3 (with its sudden warning, 3:2) or the thank-you note in 4:10-20 may have been separate pieces joined later, but there is no manuscript evidence for that and many scholars see one letter. The Christ hymn in 2:6-11 may be an earlier hymn that Paul quotes or his own composition.
Who it was for
Philippi was the first European city where Paul founded a church (Acts 16), on his second journey. It was a Roman colony, proud of its Roman citizenship, with many retired soldiers. The church began with Lydia, a seller of purple cloth, and a jailer, and was one of the few that supported Paul financially (4:15-16).
When it happens
Paul writes from prison (1:7, 1:13-14), where he awaits a verdict that could mean death or release. Rome is the traditional place (the "imperial guard" in 1:13 and "Caesar's household" in 4:22 fit), but Ephesus (about AD 54 to 55) and Caesarea (about AD 58) have been suggested; the letter does not name the city. Epaphroditus has brought a gift from Philippi and has been seriously ill (2:25-30).
How to read it
A warm, personal letter, partly a thank-you note, partly a report of Paul's circumstances, and partly an appeal for unity. Joy and rejoicing run through it; the words "joy" and "rejoice" occur about sixteen times in four chapters.
Map: Philippi, Thessalonica, and Rome
Open mapPhilippi sits on the road across Macedonia from Neapolis toward Thessalonica; Paul writes from prison, traditionally in Rome.
Timeline
Open timelineIn order, not to scale.
Whatever happens, even prison and the threat of death, Christ is being proclaimed; the church should follow Christ's humility, stand united, and rejoice in him, finding contentment in every circumstance.
- Joy in all circumstances
- Christ's humility and exaltation
- Partnership in the gospel
- Unity and humility
- Contentment and trust
Who’s who
Paul
The apostle, in prison, writing with joy.
- Chapters: 1
Timothy
Named with Paul as sender; Paul hopes to send him to Philippi (2:19-24).
- Parents: Eunice
- Chapters: 1, 2
Epaphroditus
The Philippians' messenger, who nearly died and is being sent home with the letter (2:25-30; 4:18).
Euodia and Syntyche
Two women who worked with Paul and are now in disagreement; Paul urges them to agree (4:2-3).
Clement
A co-worker whose name is in the book of life (4:3).
The believers in Philippi
Paul's partners in the gospel, generous and a little divided.
Family links and chapters: Theographic Bible Metadata, CC BY-SA 4.0. About our sources