A Study of Galatians & PhilippiansSpring 2013

PhilippiansIntroduction and Chapter 1

Introduction to Philippians

Introduction to Philippians• Named for Philip II of Macedon

– Father of Alexander the Great• Roman Colony

– In the province of Macedonia– No synagogues in the city

• The church in Philippi– Founded on Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey (c. A.D. 51)– Visited on 3rd Journey– Paul had a great love for this church (4:1)

Introduction to Philippians• Purpose for the epistle

– Thank you letter– They had sent a gift to Paul (2:25; 4:10, 14)– They had sent help to him in Thessalonica (4:15,

16) and in Corinth (2 Cor. 11:9)– They had given liberally to the needy saints (2 Cor.

8:1-5)– Letter sent by Epaphroditus (2:25-30)– Warning about Judaizers (3:1-4)– Appeal for peace and unity with Eudia and

Syntyche (4:2-3)

Introduction to Philippians

• Date of the epistle– c. A.D. 60-62

Chapter 1Salutation (1-2)

• Paul & Timothy– Bondservants of Christ

• To the saints– Bishops (overseers)– Deacons

• Grace & Peace

Chapter 1Thanksgiving & Prayer (3-11)

• His thanksgiving for them (3-5)– Always in every prayer– Joy because of their continued fellowship

• His confidence in them (6-7)– God will complete what He began– They are partakers with Paul in his imprisonment and his

work of preaching the Gospel• His longing for them (8)• His prayer for them (9-11)

– That their love may continue to abound• With knowledge and discernment• Approve what is excellent• May be pure and blameless• Filled with the fruit of righteousness

Chapter 1The Progress of the Gospel (12-18)

• His imprisonment has been good for the spread of the Gospel (12-14)– Spread throughout the Praetorium (Imperial) Guard– His is incarcerated because of his faith (and preaching)– Others have been emboldened by his courage

• The motives of some preachers– Some preach out of love, but others from envy and

rivalry– Some want to hurt Paul– He will rejoice anyway because Christ is proclaimed

Chapter 1The Reason For His Joy (19-26)

• Your prayers have been a help– Will eventuate my deliverance

• In all things, including imprisonment, he desires to honor Christ...in life or death– “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain!”

• The dilemma: – To live or die?– There is an advantage with either– He will choose life, because that is better for them

• I will remain and continue with you for your progress and joy in the faith

Chapter 1The Appeal to The Philippians (27-30)

• For steadfastness whether he is with them or not– Let your life be worthy of the Gospel

• Don’t be frightened of your enemies– They will be destroyed and you will be saved

• You will suffer for His sake– Just like I have