Who Wrote the Book of Philippians?
The early church unanimously agreed that the Apostle Paul wrote the Letter to the Philippians. Most scholars concur that Paul penned Philippians during his first imprisonment in Rome (A.D. 60-62).
Context and Background of Philippians
In Philippians 2:23-24 Paul points to this epistle being written toward the end of his two-year Roman imprisonment––A.D. 61, possibly at the end of Acts 28:30.”
To understand Paul’s deep love for this church, it’s important to know the backstory. The Philippian church began on Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 16:12-40). It was the first church founded by Paul in Europe.
Philippi had a small Jewish population, with not even enough men to form a synagogue. One Sabbath, Paul went outside the city to the Gangites River where he found a group of “devout women” meeting for prayer (Acts 16:3). There Paul preached the gospel. Among them was Lydia, “the seller of purple.” Acts 16:14 says, “One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Tyyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.”
After Lydia and her household were baptized, she urged Paul and his missionary team to stay at her house. The first Philippian church likely met in her home.
Along with enjoying these new converts, Paul and Silas also experienced the trouble of a demon-possessed servant girl following them around shouting, These are the servants of the Most High God who proclaim to you the way of salvation” (Acts 16:17).
The girl’s proclamation was in no way an expression of her salvation, but it would have confused the crowds. Because she was a known fortune teller. The Jews knew that association with a sayer was contrary to God’s law (Deuteronomy 18:10).
Casting the demon out of the servant girl, in the name of Jesus Christ, was the catalyst for Paul and Silas to be beaten and imprisoned (Acts 16:18-24). It was in this imprisonment that Paul and Silas sang hymns to God and experienced an earthquake that shook their shackles free and opened the prison doors. As a result, the Philippian jailer, and his household, believed and were baptized (Acts 16:25-34).
After their release, Paul and Silas returned to the house of Lydia to encourage the brethren and before departing from the city of Philippi. But the people Paul met, and the experiences of God’s great mercy and power in Philippi left a deep impression and care upon the apostle who wrote: “My brothers whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved” (Philippians 4:1).
Main Theme and Purpose of Philippians
Purpose: One Commentary, suggests these reasons for Paul’s writing:
-To thank the Christians at Philippi for the gifts that they had sent him by Epaphroditus.
-To inform the Christians at Philippi about his own circumstances.
-To tell them that Epaphroditus had recovered from his dangerous illness. He was returning to Philippi.
-To appeal for unity and for the end of quarrels in the church.
-To warn them about false *doctrine, especially that of Jewish Christians who insisted on circumcision for Gentiles.
-To urge them to remain loyal to their faith and to stand firm against opponents.
My own observations include encouraging, equipping, and inspiring believers to press on in their pursuit of Christlikeness (3:12-14). He also encouraged them that his Rome imprisonment was actually being used by God for the furtherance of the gospel. And Paul emboldened others to speak Truth without fear (1:12-14). He reminded the Philippians that he was praying for their love for one another to abound as they continued to grow in knowledge and discernment (1:9).
Theme: Pursuing Christlikeness
What Can We Learn from Philippians Today?
There’s no room for apathy in the Christian’s life. Oh, that the Spirit would inspire us to follow Paul’s example to forget what lies behind and press on to become more like Christ.
As Paul referred to the Philippians as partners in the gospel, let this be said of us. There’s no time for quarreling amongst Christians. We must joyfully hold fast to the doctrines of our faith and press on to fulfill the ministries to which God has called us.
The answer for our troubled world lies not in politics, possessions or power. The answer is, and has always been, repentance and wholehearted devotion to knowing Christ and making Him known.
Our Favorite Verses from Philippians
“He who has begun a good work in you will complete it.” – Phil. 1:6
“Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” – Phil 1:27
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness…esteem others better than himself.” – Phil 2:3
“At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow.” – Phil. 2:10
“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” – Phil. 3:8
“Our citizenship is in heaven.” – Phil. 3:20
“Rejoice in the Lord always.” – Phil. 4:4
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Phil. 4:13
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory.” – Phil. 4:19
Sources
- The MacArthur Study Bible, Thomas Nelson
- Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise)
- Easy English Bible Version & Commentary on Paul’s Letter to the Philippians
- Enduring Word Bible Commentary
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Rhonda Stoppe is a best-selling Christian author of seven books. With 40 years of experience in helping women build no regrets lives, Rhonda has become a highly sought after voice in the Christian living community. She has written hundreds of articles for Crosswalk.com and other popular magazines. Rhonda has appeared on The 700 Club, 100 Huntley Street, Family Life Today, Dobson’s Family Talk, and her interviews at Focus on the Family have been named in their Best Of Episodes 2021 & 2023. “I could have listened to Rhonda talk all night,” is what listeners say. Her speaking platform includes: Homeschool conferences, (MOPs) MomCo, MomCon, Legacy Grandparenting Summit and more. She is the host of the award-winning podcast, Old Ladies Know Stuff. Rhonda has over 40 years experience as a pastor’s wife, speaker, mom coach, marriage mentor, mother of four–and did we mention she’s a grandmother of 15! Find out more about Rhonda at NoRegretsWoman.com.
