The Book of Philippians

Mike Johnson

 The book of Philippians was written by Paul to the church at Philippi.  This  book has been called the most personal and spontaneous  of all of  Paul’s letters.  The word “joy” or “rejoice” occurs at least 17 times in the book.  The church at Philippi was the first church started by Paul in Europe.

Information regarding the beginning of the Philippian  church is found in Acts 16.  Here we are told  that Paul saw a vision in which a man said to him, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.”  In keeping with the vision, Paul went to Europe and soon came to Philippi.  At Philippi, he taught and baptized a woman named Lydia and also baptized her family.  Later, he cast a demon out of a young slave girl.  This caused her masters to lose their capacity to make money off of her so they had Paul and Silas put in prison.  While they were in prison, an earthquake occurred and their bands were loosed.  Paul and Silas then taught the jailer and his family, and they were baptized.  Paul and Silas eventually left Philippi, but Paul probably returned there on several occasions.

The book of Philippians is one of a group of books called the Prison Epistles.  The others are Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon.  They were all probably written from Rome around 61 or 62 AD while Paul was a prisoner there.

The church at Philippi had sent Paul a monetary gift to help him out while he was in prison.  They sent one of their own, Epaphroditus, with the gift.  While Epaphroditus was there, he got ill.  After his recovery, Paul sent him back with a message to the church at Philippi, and this letter is what we have in the Bible as the book of Philippians.

The letter to the Philippians has a joy and warmth not found in Paul’s other writings.  It is a very intimate and affectionate letter.  As noted, Paul constantly emphasized the concept of  “joy” in the book.  In spite of his own circumstances beings so difficult, he tried to encourage them.  As we read the book today, we are made to understand that no matter how difficult things are, we should not give up or give in to despair.

In this letter, Paul does not give an elaborate presentation of doctrine.  He tells the Philippians of his personal circumstances, emphasizes the importance of unity, and warns against various sins.

If you have not read Philippians lately, why not read it today?  I know that you will gain from it.