Chapter Intro Video

Chapter Objectives

This chapter should enable the student to

• summarize what modern scholarship has to say regarding the historical background for Philippians, including information about the city and church to which this letter was addressed, the possible date of its composition, and the circumstances that prompted Paul to write the letter.

• describe the significance of the Philippian “Christ hymn” for Christian theology, relating its message to the doctrines of incarnation and preexistence.

• indicate how Paul uses the “Christ hymn” in this letter as an encouragement to humility and recognize how that theme is developed throughout other parts of the letter as well.

• explicate the themes of suffering (its inevitability and potential value) and fellowship developed in Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

Chapter Summary

This chapter offers a brief overview of the contents of Philippians, followed by discussion of historical background and major themes.

In terms of historical background, the letter is written by Paul from prison to the Macedonian congregation in Philippi (often identified as the first Christian church in Europe). It is notable for its especially joyful character, and it serves as a good example of a “friendship letter.” The date of composition depends upon where Paul is thought to have been in prison when the letter was written: if he was in Ephesus, it could be one of his earliest letters, but if he was in Rome, it could be one of his latest.

Theological interest in Philippians centers on the “Christ hymn” quoted by Paul in chapter 2. This liturgical material provides what might be the earliest Christian reference to belief in the incarnation and preexistence of Christ. Paul’s primary interest in quoting the hymn, however, is to encourage the virtue of humility, exemplified by Jesus in taking human form and dying on a cross. Timothy, Epaphroditus, and Paul himself also provide role model examples for this prime virtue. The letter to Philippians also reflects upon the inevitability and potential value of human suffering. Further, it stresses the fellowship that Paul experiences with the Philippian believers.

Study Questions

1. Describe Paul’s relationship with the Philippian church: how and when did he found this congregation, what was their relationship like, and what might have prompted Paul to write to them at this particular time?

2. Outline what the “Christ hymn” details as stages in the career of Christ. Why does Paul cite this hymn as an illustration for the Philippians?

3. What does Paul mean by “humility” and how might this virtue be expressed in Christian living? List at least three examples Paul offers the Philippians as persons who model this virtue for them.

4. Why should the Philippians view suffering for Christ as a favor or privilege from God?

Gallery: Sites in Philippi

Gallery: Philippian Jail

Video: Suffering