Philippians- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: Paul
• Audience: Believers in Philippi
• Original Greek Name: Φιλιππησίους
• Translated Hebrew Name: פיליפינים
• Common English Name: Philippians
• Transliteration: Philippesíous
• Meaning: Philippians
• Date Created: c 61 CE
• Content Reference Time: c 61 CE
• Key Individuals:
  • Paul
  • Timothy
  • Epaphroditus
  • Euodia
  • Syntyche
• Key Themes:
  • Joy in suffering for the cause of Messiah (Philippians 1:1-30)
  • Joy in serving the body of Messiah (Philippians 2:1-30)
  • Joy in believing the promises of Messiah (Philippians 3:1-4:1)
  • Joy in giving to the body of Messiah (Philippians 4:2-23)
• Date Canonized: c 70-170 CE
• Abstract:

  The "book" of Philippians is Paul's letter to the believers in the city of Philippi.  His letter overflows with joy and thanksgiving for the gift the Philippians had sent to Paul.  He rejoices also in the recovery of Epaphroditus, the courier who had delivered the gift and fallen ill "to the point of death."  Paul encourages the believers to be content in whatever circumstances they find themselves, whether they are rich or poor, in bondage or free.  He expressed joy that Yeshua was being proclaimed as Messiah even though some are doing it "out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives."  Paul encourages the believers to remain unified and to be G-dly servants just as Messiah was.  Paul concludes the letter with an exhortation to "rejoice in the Lord always" and with the sage wisdom that "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

• Location Created: Rome
• Content Location: Philippi
• Teaches:
  • Messiah modeled humility for us.
  • Messiah modeled self-sacrifice for us.
  • Believers should live in unity.
  • Spiritual maturity comes by living the humility and self-sacrifice Messiah modeled for us.
  • Believers can have profound joy living in unity and in a spiritually mature fashion.
• Chapters: 4
• Verses: 104