If you’re a Christian then you have no doubt heard of the book of Philippians. It’s a relatively brief, yet powerful New Testament book that Paul wrote to show us the essence of what it means to be Christlike and for us to imitate the Savior by not becoming discouraged when persecution comes our way. But have you ever wondered who wrote this book? How did he know so much about the apostles and early church? And how did he manage to capture so much insight in only four chapters?
The book of Philippians was written by Paul the Apostle to the church in Philippi. It is possible that this book was written as a letter, but it is more likely that it was a epistle. The existence of an early form of this letter is mentioned by early Church leaders and in the manuscript itself. According to the latter, it is possible that the original copy has not survived.
If you’re a Christian then you have no doubt heard of the book of Philippians. It’s a relatively brief, yet powerful New Testament book that Paul wrote to show us the essence of what it means to be Christlike and for us to imitate the Savior by not becoming discouraged when persecution comes our way. But have you ever wondered who wrote this book? How did he know so much about the apostles and early church? And how did he manage to capture so much insight in only four chapters?
Why Was The Apocrypha Removed From The Bible
Paul ministered at Philippi during his second missionary journey, spending about three months in the city. The ministry at Philippi marked Paul’s entrance into Macedonia, which came about as a result of a vision he had in the city of Troas, just across the northeastern corner of the Aegean Sea from the port city of Neapolis and its close neighbor Philippi (Acts 16:8–12).
During this first stay in Philippi—he later briefly visited the city on his third missionary journey (20:6)—Paul brought to faith in Christ people who would form the core of the burgeoning congregation in the city. Among them were Lydia, a businesswoman who opened her home to Paul and his coworkers (16:13–15), and the Philippian jailer, who was converted under Paul’s ministry after an earthquake miraculously broke open the prison (16:22–34).
Where are we?
Of the four Prison Epistles, Paul likely wrote Philippians last, near the end of his Roman imprisonment in AD 61 or 62. Paul sent the other three Prison Epistles—Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon—by the hand of Tychicus, as their destinations were near one another. However, the letter to the Philippians was to be delivered by Epaphroditus, who had come to Paul in Rome with financial help from the church at Philippi (Philippians 2:25; 4:18). But during his time in Rome, Epaphroditus took ill, which delayed his return home and, therefore, the delivery of the letter (2:26–27).
Why is Philippians so important?
The apostle Paul did not write Philippians in response to a crisis, as he did with Galatians and Colossians. Instead, he wrote to express his appreciation and affection for the Philippian believers. More than any other church, the believers in Philippi offered Paul material support for his ministry (2 Corinthians 8:11; Philippians 4:15–18). Paul’s affection for these people is clear throughout the letter as he encouraged them to live out their faith in joy and unity (1:3–5, 25–26; 4:1).
What’s the big idea?
Philippians brims over with often quoted passages: “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6), “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (1:21), and “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (4:13) are just a few. But the portrait of Jesus Christ as a humble servant serves as the core of Paul’s teaching in this letter (2:5–11).
Paul’s joy at the mere thought of the Philippian church is undeniable in the letter, and it’s that same joy that he wanted the recipients to possess as well. To lead the Philippians to this truth, Paul took them directly to Jesus, teaching them that a community of believers living in harmony with one another comes only through mutual humility modeled after the Savior. Paul wrote that he poured out his life as an offering for the sake of Christ, leading Paul to find great joy and contentment in Christ’s service. His letter to the Philippians showed them that by centering their lives on Christ, they, too, might live in true joy.
How do I apply this?
Though we all have much to be thankful for, the pace and the pressure of life often squeeze the joy from us. Our shoulders slumped and our heads bowed, we find some days—or months—very difficult to get through. Desperate, we often search for joy in all kinds of ways—acquiring possessions, visiting places, or seeing people. But none of these can provide lasting joy. Where do you find joy in the midst of a trying circumstance?
When we pray, we open ourselves up to God, allowing Him to act in and through us. Our bond with God is bolstered when we pray.
The more we talk to and interact with someone, the more we get to know them. When we pray to God, we go through the same motions. The best method to become closer to Him is to spend more time in discussion with Him.
James 4:8 reads, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (NKJV).
When I have gotten close to God through prayer, I have felt the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Praying helps me focus on what’s truly significant in life. Praying is essential because it helps us see things from God’s perspective. My youth group lost a member unexpectedly. It has been difficult to find efficient means of showing love and providing comfort to our hurting students. Prayer has been the only thing that has kept me going during this ordeal. As I grieve with my church and community, it has helped me connect with God, hear His voice, and feel His presence.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God; and he will surround you with his peace, which surpasses all understanding, in Christ Jesus. (NKJV).
Praying prepares us to encounter the indescribable calm that comes from God. In good times and bad, prayer helps me focus on what God values most.
Allow the joy you find in Christ to keep you from useless quarrels and divisions and to instead guide you into harmonious relationships with God’s people.