What did Paul encourage the Philippians to do?
Using himself as an example, Paul encouraged the Philippians to live a life of service and obedience. He encouraged the people to be a people who are not afraid to give. He reminded the people that they should not store their trust in earthly titles or possessions.
Why did Paul write the Philippians?
- Relationship
- Suffering in Prison
- Conditions in Philippi
- Salutation
- Thanksgiving
- Prayer
- Body
- Final Greetings
- Nature of Perseverance
- Mindset of Perseverance
How long did Paul know the Philippians?
This church would be special to Paul the rest of his life: He wrote the Philippians epistle to them about ten years later (ad 61). This congregation supported Paul’s preaching throughout Macedonia and into Achaia ( Philippians 1:3–5; 4:15–16 ). They kept up with Paul to his life’s end ( Philippians 4:10, 14, 17–18 ).
Did Paul write all his letters?
Did Paul write all thirteen of the letters attributed to him? Yes. He did with the help of amanuenses. With the points established in this article, one should have no reservation in accepting all thirteen letters. The only letter sometimes attributed to Paul that should be highly questioned for its Pauline origin is the book of Hebrews.
What was the purpose of Paul's letter to the Philippians?
The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians to express his gratitude and affection for the Philippian church, his strongest supporters in ministry. Scholars agree that Paul drafted the epistle during his two years of house arrest in Rome.
What does Paul warn the Philippians?
In Chapter 3 (Letter C), Paul warns the Philippians about those Christians who insist that circumcision is necessary for salvation. He testifies that while he once was a devout Pharisee and follower of the Jewish law, he now considers these things to be worthless and worldly compared to the gospel of Jesus.
What is the main theme of Philippians?
Again, we come to the consistent theme of Philippians: joy. And the God of peace will be with you: If the Philippians did as Paul had instructed, not only would they have had the peace of God, but the God of peace would have also been with them. This is the message of Philippians for the global church.
What gift did the Philippians give Paul?
The *believers in Philippi had sent Paul a gift of money. Paul does not write about this until the end of his letter. He writes as if the gift were not important. But the gift showed what the *believers in Philippi thought about Paul.
What was the problem in the Philippian church?
3.1-11 was shaped by the particular sociological and historical situation of the Philippian church, namely, the ongoing conflict between the church and Roman society at Philippi. This was a conflict caused—at least in part—by a clash between the Christian gospel and the ideology of the civic cult of the city.
What are three good reasons for doing an in depth study of the book of Philippians?
What are three good reasons for doing an in-depth study on the book Philippians? It is a short book, It is easy to read, It has practical application.
What is the meaning of Philippians?
Definition of Philippians : a hortatory letter written by St. Paul to the Christians of Philippi and included as a book in the New Testament — see Bible Table.
What is Philippians 3 saying?
"That I may gain Christ": not just get "an interest in him", as this he knew he had already, and should never lose it, for it commenced from all eternity and cannot be obtained by good works, nor repentance, nor faith, but is freely given.
Why did Paul write to the Philippians?
Why did Paul write to the Philippians?#N#In examining Paul’s reasons for writing to the Philippians it is important to place the letter within the context of when it was written and whom it was written. Philippi was an ancient and major city in Macedonia, Greece. It was taken over by Philip of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great. Phillip of Macedonia established the city as a military stronghold in order to protect his surrounding lands which were rich in silver and gold.
Why did Paul write to the church in Philippi?
Unlike Galatians and Colossians Paul did not write in response to any crisis, but wrote to express his love and appreciation to the believers in the church there.
Where did Paul preach?
He always began by preaching to the Jews, and secondly to the Gentiles. Pauls first stop in Philippi was to the ‘place of prayer’ by the river where the Jewish people generally met (16:13).There he met a woman called Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, who it would seem became their first convert along with her household.
What did Paul teach the believers?
Paul wanted to teach the believers that it is not so much what you do, but the attitude you did it with. He told them to do ‘everything without grumbling’, so that they could become blameless and pure (2:15). This way they will become brighter witnesses in a ‘warped and crooked Generation’.
What is the meaning of Paul's letter?
Finally, Paul’s letter was one of encouragement to stand firm in the one Spirit and live a life worthy of the Gospel. He urges them to work together and not be afraid of those who opposed them (1:27-30). The sense of Pauls pastoral care is seen throughout this letter.
Where did Paul go on his second missionary journey?
Paul was first inspired, or felt called to go to Philippi after receiving a vision of a man from Macedonia begging him to come over and help them there.iii So on Pauls second Missionary Journey He travelled to Philippi. He always began by preaching to the Jews, and secondly to the Gentiles.
What does Paul say about his imprisonment?
He also points out that his imprisonment has caused others to be more confident in proclaiming Christ. Although some preach out of wrong motives, Paul rejoices that in whatever way Christ is preached. He also speaks of his plans to come and visit them were he to be released from prison. (2:23-24).
What is the letter of Paul to the Philippians?
Letter of Paul to the Philippians, also called Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the Philippians , abbreviation Philippians, eleventh book of the New Testament, written by St. Paul the Apostle to the Christian congregation he had established in Philippi.
Where was Philippians written?
In its present canonical form, Philippians is, according to several scholars, a later collection of fragments of the correspondence (s) of Paul with the congregation in Philippi.
Why was Paul imprisoned?
Apprehensive that his execution was close at hand, yet hoping somehow to visit the Philippians again, Paul explains that he was imprisoned for preaching the gospel of Christ. Though he welcomes death for Jesus’ sake, he is equally concerned to continue his apostolate.
What does Paul say about the humility of Christ?
Paul exhorts his readers to remain steadfast in their faith and to imitate the humility of Christ, who “emptied himself” and “became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (2:7–8). Exegetes generally believe that this much-quoted passage was taken from an early Christian hymn.
Why is the letter to the Philippians so compelling?
The letter to the Philippians is a compelling book, in part because Paul provides several autobiographical glimpses into his own life. And he uses these personal reflections as well as the examples of others to depict what joy-filled, gospel-focused spiritual maturity looks like.
What was Paul's goal in writing the Philippians?
Paul wrote the Philippians with several goals in mind. First, as mentioned earlier, he wanted to thank them for their gift of love. He tells them of his prayers of thanksgiving for them (1:4). Their gift not only ministered to a missionary’s needs but brought pleasure to God, like some of the fragrant sacrifices of the Old Covenant (4:18). Their gift was an act of worship. Furthermore, Paul assures them, “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (4:19). The apostle could not reimburse them for their kindness, but the God who blessed him through their sacrificial gift would bless them too.
What is the book of Philippians about?
The book of Philippians teaches us to think Christianly and confirms that by living this way we experience true joy. As one commentary puts it, “Christian joy comes through having a Christ-centered mind.” [1] In this letter Paul motivates through autobiography. Each chapter includes passages where Paul speaks reflectively about his own spiritual experience. He also puts forward other faithful examples, like Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19–30). The tie that binds together these goals and literary features is Paul’s overarching purpose of showing what joy-filled, gospel-focused spiritual maturity looks like. What does it take to live in a way that promotes the Gospel, trusts God instead of worrying, demonstrates unity with other believers, and avoids destructive theological error? Paul tells us in Philippians.
What was Paul's letter of assurance?
A Letter of Assurance. In addition to expressing his gratitude, Paul wanted to assure the Philippians of God’s merciful control of his circumstances and theirs. Though Paul’s situation was difficult, God was using his imprisonment and the adversity of other professing believers to spread the Gospel (1:12–18).
What church did Paul support?
The Philippian church that began in Lydia’s home maintained a close relationship with Paul. His close connection with these believers is also evident by the multiple visits he made on his way to and from Greece (Acts 20:1–6). Perhaps more than any other church, they supported Paul financially (2 Cor. 11:9), even after he left the Macedonian region (Phil. 4:15). This church also supported the apostle repeatedly when he was ministering in nearby Thessalonica (4:16), instead of assuming that was the Thessalonians’ responsibility.
Why did Paul send Epaphroditus back to the Philippians?
Therefore, Paul sent Epaphroditus back with his letter to the Philippians so that they could stop worrying and rejoice too (2:25–30). Paul also reassures his readers that he is content in whatever circumstances God places him and that he is taken care of (4:11–13, 18).
Why did Paul thank God for the Philippians?
This combination of spiritual and physical help prompted Paul to thank God every time he remembered the Philippians because of their “fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now” (Phil. 1:5). Their interest in the advance of the Gospel is as evident as any local church mentioned in the New Testament.
Where did Paul write his letter to the Philippians?
Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while he was in prison (Philippians 1:13). Most scholars conclude that his imprisonment was in Rome, where he stayed for two years (Acts 28:30), and that the letter was written shortly before his release.
What does Paul say about the Father?
Paul tells us in Colossians 1:12 that “the Father… has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.”. The Authorized Version states that He has “made us meet,” which means that He has made us “fit” or “sufficient” or “able” or “worthy.”.
What does the Bible say about the bishops and deacons?
Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible adds that “bishops and deacons” describe the “overseers of the Church of God, and those who ministered to the poor, and preached occasionally.”. Philippians 1:2–7: “ (Verse 2) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
What does Paul wish for the brethren?
Paul wishes that the brethren be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:11). It is Jesus Christ IN us who ENABLES us to fulfill the righteous requirements of the law (Romans 8:4).
What does Paul pray for?
Paul prays that the brethren would continue to live sincerely and without reproach until the time of Jesus Christ’s return. It is another way of saying: Become you perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48). God IS love (1 John 4:8), and we are to become love as well.
What does Paul say about envy and strife?
He said that he rejoiced when ministers preached Christ “from envy and strife,” “selfish ambition,” “in pretense” and “not sincerely,” supposing to add affliction to his chains, by preaching the gospel because of insincere motives.
Where did Paul go before he was in Rome?
Before his imprisonment in Rome, Paul had sailed from Philippi while on his third missionary journey, after the Days of Unleavened Bread (Acts 20:6). Philippi was a medical center. It is quite possible that Philippi was Luke’s hometown and that Luke practiced medicine there.
Why did Paul write the letter to the Philippians?
The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians to express his gratitude and affection for the Philippian church , his strongest supporters in ministry. Scholars agree that Paul drafted the epistle during his two years of house arrest in Rome.
What is the message of the book of Philippians?
The book of Philippians conveys a powerful message about the secret of contentment. Although Paul had faced severe hardships, poverty, beatings, illness, and even his current imprisonment, in every circumstance he had learned to be content. The source of his joyous contentment was rooted in knowing Jesus Christ :
What did Paul send Epaphroditus back to?
After his recovery, Paul sent Epaphroditus back to Philippi carrying with him the letter to the Philippian church. Besides expressing thanks to the believers in Philippi for their gifts and support, Paul took the opportunity to encourage the church concerning practical matters such as humility and unity.
When was the Book of Philippians written?
Book of Philippians. Author: Philippians is one of the Apostle Paul's four Prison Epistles. Date Written: Most scholars believe the letter was written around AD 62, while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. Written To: Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi with whom he shared a close partnership and special affection.
Who sent gifts to Paul?
The church had sent gifts to Paul while he was in chains. These gifts were delivered by Epaphroditus, a leader in the Philippian church who ended up assisting Paul with ministry in Rome. At some point while serving with Paul, Epaphroditus became dangerously sick and nearly died. After his recovery, Paul sent Epaphroditus back to Philippi carrying ...
Where did Paul establish his church?
Paul had established the church in Philippi approximately 10 years prior, during his second missionary journey recorded in Acts 16. His tender love for the believers in Philippi is apparent in this most personal of Paul's writings. The church had sent gifts to Paul while he was in chains.
What is the letter to the Philippians?
PHILIPPIANS, LETTER TO THE fĭ lĭp’ ĭ ənz ( Φιλιππήσιοι, people of Philippi; see Philippi ). A letter written by Paul to the church in the city of Philippi, the first Christian church in the province of Macedonia; the eleventh book in the NT canon.
What was the immediate occasion for the writing of Philippians?
A. Occasion. The immediate occasion for the writing of Philippians was the return home of Epaphroditus following his recovery from a serious illness ( 2:25-30 ). His return gave Paul the opportunity to commend this co-worker to the Philippian saints and to write them concerning a variety of matters.
Why did Luke stay in Philippi?
Luke apparently remained in Philippi to aid the young church; this is implied by the cessation of the “we” upon completion of his account of the Philippian mission.
How many times did Paul travel to Rome?
The long journey was apparently made four times (news of Paul’s arrival in Rome reaching Philippi; Epaphroditus sent to Rome with the gift; news of his sickness reaching Philippi, and report of their concern for Paul again brought to Rome).
What was Paul's immediate purpose?
Paul’s immediate purpose apparently was to assure an appropriate welcome for the returning Epaphroditus. His valiant service as their representative merited a warm welcome ( 2:25-30 ). Rather, the letter was primarily inspired by friendship matters—Paul’s outpouring of love for a church that always stood by him.
Where did Paul go to visit?
From Rome Paul planned on going to Spain ( Rom 15:24, 28 ), but here he is making plans to visit Philippi ( Phil 2:24 ). The reply is that the plan to visit Spain was announced before his arrest, but after nearly four years of imprisonment the former plan was postponed or abandoned.
Where was the church in Philippi?
They began the mission in the province of Macedonia with the assurance that God had specially summoned them to work there ( Acts 16:9-11 ).
When was Paul's letter to Philippi written?
Paul's Letter to Philippi. Philippians. This letter was written to the believers in Philippi in c.61AD while Paul was still under house arrest in Rome, awaiting his trial before the emperor Nero (see Map 27).
Where did Paul take the letter from?
The letter was taken from Rome to Philippi by Epaphroditus (see Philippians 2:25-30) who had recently brought a gift from the Philippian believers to Paul at his rented house in Rome (see Philippians 4:18). In this letter, Paul thanks the believers for their financial support. He urges them to be humble – like Jesus – rather than selfish and proud, ...
What does Paul say in his letter to the believers?
In this letter, Paul thanks the believers for their financial support. He urges them to be humble – like Jesus – rather than selfish and proud, and reminds them that their life in union with Christ is the result of faith rather than by following the Jewish law.
Why is Paul on trial?
1:12-17 Paul has been able to witness freely while in Rome, and the members of the Imperial guard who have been supervising his house arrest are well aware that he is on trial because of his faith in Jesus Christ.
Where did Paul write to the church?
Paul is writing to the church he had established in Macedonia (northern Greece) during his second missionary journey in 50 – 52AD (see Acts 16:12-40) and had visited at least twice more during his third missionary journey in 52 – 56AD (see Acts 20:1-6).
Where is the Via Egnatia in the Bible?
The Via Egnatia at Philippi. Greetings from Paul. Phil. 1:1-2 Paul sends greetings from Timothy who is with Paul in Rome (see Acts 16:1-3 & Philippians 2:19-23).
Why was the book of Philippians written?
The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians to express his gratitude and affection for the Philippian church, his strongest supporters in ministry. Scholars agree that Paul drafted the epistle during his two years of house arrest in Rome. The church had sent gifts to Paul while he was in chains.
When did Paul go to Philippi?
Paul, Timothy, Silas (and perhaps Luke) first visited Philippi in Greece (Macedonia) during Paul’s second missionary journey from Antioch, which occurred between approximately 49 and 51 AD. In the account of his visit in the Acts of the Apostles, Paul and Silas are accused of “disturbing the city”.
What is the main message of Philippians?
To deal with these problems, Paul designed this epistle as a guide for ordinary living. It faces the normal problems a Christian has, and proclaims the victory which a Christian can appropriate in overcoming these problems. The recurring theme, running throughout the letter, is that of joy and rejoicing.
What is Philippi called today?
The city was renamed by Philip II of Macedon in 356 BC and abandoned in the 14th century after the Ottoman conquest. The present municipality, Filippoi, is located near the ruins of the ancient city and is part of the region of East Macedonia and Thrace in Kavala, Greece.
What do Philippians 4 13 mean?
Many people have misused Philippians 4: 13 and taken it to mean that you can do all the things you desire through Christ. When you take this verse out of context, you will think it means doing anything you want. This is not true because God only fulfills the desires in our hearts that align with His Word.
Who went to Philippi with Paul?
Apostle Paul arrived in Agios Nikolaos area and after following Via Egnatia he reached Philippi, 12 km from Neapoli. He was accompanied by Silas, Timothy, and Luke the doctor, Evangelist and writer of “Acts of the Apostles”.
What happened to Paul and Silas in Philippi?
According to the Acts of the Apostles, St. Paul and Silas were in Philippi (a former city in present-day Greece), where they were arrested, flogged, and imprisoned for causing a public nuisance.
