Understanding Philippians: A Complete Guide for Christians

Philippians is Paul's letter of joy from prison—a radiant testimony that true contentment comes not from circumstances but from Christ. Written in chains yet overflowing with joy, this letter reveals the secret of Christian living: finding everything in Christ, imitating His humility, and pressing forward toward the heavenly prize.

1. Central Theme: Joyful Perseverance in the Gospel Through Christ

The central message of Philippians is: Joyful perseverance in the gospel despite difficulties, grounded in confidence that God who began a good work will complete it.

The theme is captured in 1:27: "Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ...standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." This verse surfaces key concerns: church unity, gospel integrity, and steadfastness in opposition.

Joy permeates the letter. Despite imprisonment, Paul uses forms of "joy" sixteen times. His joy is grounded in God's peace (4:4-7)—not circumstantial happiness but deep contentment in Christ. Paul learned the secret: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (4:13).

Paul encourages believers to pursue unity in Christ (2:1-18; 4:2-3) and preserve gospel integrity against false teachers (3:1-11). He models steadfastness in suffering, joyfully assessing his imprisonment in terms of gospel advancement (1:12-26).

Christ is the supreme example. The magnificent "hymn to Christ" (2:5-11) shows how Jesus, though truly God, humbled Himself, took human form, and died on the cross. Therefore God exalted Him as Lord over all. This pattern—humiliation before exaltation—defines Christian life. Suffering is the prelude to resurrection and how believers experience Christ's resurrection power (3:10-11).

2. Purpose: Encouraging Faithful Believers to Greater Christ-likeness

Paul wrote to encourage faithful believers and spur them toward humility, unity, joy, and peace through undistracted pursuit of Christ. Unlike letters addressing serious problems, Philippians primarily commends an already faithful church.

Expressing affection and gratitude. The letter attests Paul's special bond with the Philippians (1:3-8; 4:10-19). They faithfully supported his ministry and willingly suffered with him for Christ.

Updating on circumstances. Paul wrote from prison to explain that everything happened for gospel advancement (1:12-18). His chains became known throughout the imperial guard, and brothers gained confidence to speak God's word fearlessly.

Promoting unity and humility. The Philippians faced persecution (1:27-30) and internal conflicts (4:2-3). Paul encourages unity, pointing to Christ's ultimate example of humility (1:27-2:18).

Warning against false teachers. Paul warns against "dogs" and "evildoers"—likely Judaizers requiring law-keeping for salvation (3:2-11). He stresses justification by faith alone. Despite impeccable Jewish credentials, he counts everything as loss compared to knowing Christ (3:7-9).

Expressing thanks for their gift. Paul thanks the church for their financial support (4:10-20), teaching contentment by example: "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content...I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (4:11-13).

The overarching purpose is encouraging believers that though circumstances are difficult, trials further gospel witness and mature Christians. God gave not only faith but also suffering for His sake (1:29).

3. Historical Context: Author, Audience, Date, and Genre

Authorship: Paul clearly identifies himself as author (1:1). Many personal references and similarity to other Pauline writings confirm his authorship.

Background: Paul's involvement with Philippi began during his second missionary journey. Prompted by a vision (Acts 16:6-10), he traveled to Philippi and established his first European church (Acts 16:12, 40). He returned at least twice to strengthen believers (Acts 20:1-6; 2 Corinthians 2:13).

Audience: Philippi was named for Philip of Macedon, Alexander the Great's father. As a Roman colony populated partly by retired soldiers, the city afforded inhabitants Roman citizenship privileges. Paul's references to "citizenship" (1:27; 3:20) would be especially meaningful to residents of an imperial colony. The absence of Old Testament quotations and Jewish names indicates the church was largely Gentile.

Date: Paul writes from prison (1:12-30), most likely during his Roman imprisonment (Acts 28) around AD 61. References to "imperial guard" (1:13) and "Caesar's household" (4:22) accord best with Rome. Language about possible execution (1:7-26) suggests highest-level legal proceedings. Ministry success during imprisonment (1:12-14) fits with his freedom to preach during Roman confinement (Acts 28:16-31).

Genre: Philippians has been classified as a "friendship letter," following first-century conventions with opening (1:1-2), body (1:3-4:20), and conclusion (4:21-23). Paul adapts ancient conventions to meet his needs, making Philippians more complex than typical friendship letters. He redefines friendship in terms of believers' communion with Christ and one another.

4. Special Issues: Important Considerations

The Christ Hymn (2:5-11): Many consider this an early Christian hymn, either adapted by Paul or his original composition. This is one of Scripture's most profound Christological statements. Before incarnation, Christ was truly God. He humbled Himself, took slave form by taking human nature, and went obediently to death on a cross (2:8). Yet in adopting complete human nature, He didn't cease being God. Christ manifested His divine character by becoming a human servant, and therefore was exalted as Lord over all, worshiped by every creature, fulfilling Isaiah 45:23.

The Letter's Unity: Some scholars argue chapter 3 was an independent fragment, citing the tone change at 3:2 ("Look out for the dogs"). However, Paul stresses in chapter 3 matters dominating earlier chapters—suffering for Christ (3:10) and genuine humility (3:3). Numerous verbal connections exist between chapters. There's no compelling reason to doubt the letter's unity.

Trinitarian Theology: Paul's theology is thoroughly Trinitarian. He uses "God" for the Father (1:2; 2:11; 4:20) and "the Lord" (kyrios) for Jesus Christ (1:2; 2:11, 19; 3:8, 20; 4:23). Paul affirms Father and Son are one God—both divine, both worthy of worship (2:5-11). Yet he shows personal distinction within the Godhead. The Holy Spirit stands alongside the Father (3:3) and Jesus Christ (1:19). Paul confesses one God in three persons.

Justification by Faith Alone: Against those requiring law obedience to merit salvation, Paul stresses receiving God's righteousness as a gift. Though scrupulous in law obedience, Paul realized his obedience couldn't merit righteous standing. Paul views his former boasting with disgust (3:7-8); Christ alone is now his confidence (3:3, 9).

Christian Perseverance: Paul highlights striving toward full salvation's goal. Confident of God's calling, he pushes forward toward the heavenly prize (3:13-14). As Christians work, God is working in them (2:12-13). When God begins a good work, He completes it (1:6). Our pressing forward evidences we are in Christ by faith alone.

5. Relation to Scripture and Contemporary Application

Pattern Throughout Scripture: The pattern Philippians presents—humiliation before exaltation, suffering before glory—appears throughout Scripture. Joseph suffered before rising to power. David fled Saul before becoming king. Israel endured slavery before the Promised Land. Prophets suffered rejection. This pattern culminates in Christ, who suffered death before resurrection. Philippians shows this is also the Christian's path—we share in Christ's sufferings to share in His glory (3:10-11).

Contemporary Relevance:

• Joy in Difficulty: Against prosperity gospel suggesting faith brings ease, Philippians shows God grants both faith and suffering for Christ (1:29). True joy comes not from circumstances but from Christ.

• Contentment: In consumer culture promoting discontentment, Paul's testimony powerfully counters: "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content" (4:11). Contentment comes through Christ who strengthens (4:13).

• Humility and Unity: Against self-promotion and division, Philippians calls us to Christ-like humility, considering others more significant than ourselves (2:3).

• Identity in Christ: Against finding identity in achievements, Paul counts everything as loss compared to knowing Christ (3:7-8). Our righteousness comes from faith in Christ, not law-keeping (3:9).

• Perseverance: Against "easy believism," Philippians shows salvation involves pressing forward, straining toward the goal (3:12-14). Yet God works in us both to will and to work (2:13).

• Generosity: Paul's teaching on giving (4:10-20) challenges consumerism. Giving is worship—a fragrant offering, pleasing sacrifice (4:18).

• Citizenship: Paul's emphasis on heavenly citizenship (3:20) challenges earthly allegiances. Our primary identity belongs to Christ's kingdom.

6. Outline and Structure

I. Introduction (1:1-11)
Greetings. Thanksgiving for partnership in the gospel. Prayer for abounding love with knowledge and discernment.

II. Paul's Rejoicing in Present Circumstances (1:12-26)
Gospel advancement through imprisonment—chains known throughout imperial guard. Gospel advancement through preaching—brothers emboldened. To live is Christ, to die is gain; remaining means fruitful labor.

III. Paul's Exhortations to the Church (1:27-2:18)
Live consistently with the gospel—stand firm, strive together; granted to suffer for Christ. Live in humble, selfless unity—count others more significant; Christ's example of humiliation and exaltation (2:5-11). Live as lights in dark world—work out salvation; God works in you; shine holding fast the word.

IV. Paul's Report on Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-30)
Plans to send Timothy who genuinely cares. Epaphroditus risked life; receive him with joy.

V. Paul's Warnings (3:1-21)
Warning against Judaizers—beware dogs, evildoers; true circumcision worships by Spirit, boasts in Christ; Paul's credentials worthless compared to knowing Christ; righteousness through faith, not law. Paul's testimony—not already perfect; forgetting what lies behind, straining toward goal, pressing on for prize. Warning against lawlessness—follow Paul's example; our citizenship is heaven; Christ will transform our bodies.

VI. Paul's Concluding Exhortations and Thanksgiving (4:1-23)
Stand firm. Euodia and Syntyche—agree in the Lord. Rejoice always; don't be anxious but pray; God's peace will guard hearts. Think on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely. Paul's contentment learned—can do all things through Christ. Thanks for their gift—fragrant offering to God. Final greetings.

Conclusion: Finding Everything in Christ

Philippians calls us to find our all in Christ. Paul's testimony rings clear: everything once valuable—impressive credentials, religious achievements, respectable reputation—he counts as rubbish compared to knowing Christ Jesus his Lord (3:8).

The secret of joy isn't better circumstances but deeper relationship with Christ. The path to contentment isn't acquiring more but learning sufficiency in Christ. The way to unity isn't asserting rights but embracing Christ's humility. The means of perseverance isn't self-effort but confidence that God who began a good work will complete it (1:6).

As you read Philippians, let it recalibrate your values. Let Christ's example challenge your pride. Let Paul's joy in prison rebuke your discontentment. Let the call to press forward energize your pursuit. Most importantly, let it lead you to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus your Lord.

Bibliography

• The CSB Study Bible. Edited by Trevin Wax and Andy McLean. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.
• ESV Study Bible. Edited by Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008.
• The MacArthur Study Bible. Edited by John MacArthur. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997.
• NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible. Edited by D. A. Carson. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2018.
• Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible. Edited by Joel R. Beeke. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2014.
• The Reformation Study Bible. Edited by R. C. Sproul. English Standard Version. Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2015.