Letter to the Philippian Church - Outline & Introduction

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Summary:
Written by: The Apostle Paul
When written: ~ During Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (about 60-62 A.D.). Note: It is believed Paul was executed by the Romans during his second imprisonment.
To Whom written: A church started by Paul about 10-12 years earlier.

Suggested Theme verse: "Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say Rejoice" (4:4)

Purpose: Paul is writing to the church at Philippi to encourage them and urge them to not worry about him. This is perhaps Paul’s happiest letter. This letter sounds like one written by a grandmother to her grandchildren - happy for them, proud of them, wanting the best for them, encouraging them to be the best they can.

At the same time, Paul is exhorting them to work together.

Background information:

Philippi is a city named for Alexander the Great’s father, Philip of Macedonia. Rome took over the city, and gave it to retired Roman soldiers. There were very few Jews in Philippi, the population being mostly Gentiles (Roman soldiers and their families). We will see references to working together, words and phrases, military parlance that would be understood by the soldiers. The Holy Spirit led Paul to speak to these Gentiles and encourage us as well.

First Missionary Journey - Acts 13:4-14:28 (circa 47-49 A.D.)

Second Missionary Journey - Acts 15:36-18:22 (circa 49-52 A.D.) - This trip was done with Silas, rather than Barnabas. Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement about Mark, so Barnabas went off in another direction with Mark. Paul chose Silas and continued on. He meets Timothy on this trip and drafts him into going along. Paul and Silas spend several days in Philippi, meeting in the synagogues, and also went on the Sabbath day to a park outside the city, next to a river. They began talking with the women praying there. Paul doesn’t just visit, he shares the gospel. Many come to Christ as Lord and Savior. (See: Acts 16:12-40) Note: Women are some of the first converts in this church. Women have never been ‘second class citizens’ in Jesus’ Kingdom.

Third Missionary Journey - Acts 18:23-21:17 (circa 54-57 A.D.)

Outline of Paul's Letter to Philippi

Chap. 1
1:1-2 - Salutations & Greeting
1:3-5 - Prayers - Remembrance and Pride
1:6-8 - A Good Work
1:9-11 - Love Abounds
1:12-14 - Imprisonment equals Gain
1:15-17 - Appointed for the Defense of the Gospel
1:18-20 - Christ is Exalted
1:21-26 - Here or There?
1:27-28 - However Comma
1:29-30 - Suffer for Christ

Chap. 2
2:1-2 - Encouragement
2:3-4 - Nothing from Conceit
2:5-8 - Christ is Obedient
2:9-11 - Christ Glorified
2:12-13 - Obey
2:14-18 - Crooked, Perverse People
2:19-24 - Help Is On the Way
2:25-30 - Sending Epaphroditus, now.

Chap. 3
3:1 - Rejoice in Jesus
3:2-4 - Beware
3:5-6 - Paul’s Personal
3:7-8 - Christ is Gain
3:9-11 - His Righteousness
3:12-14 - Press On
3:18-19 - Many Enemies of Christ
3:20-21 - Waiting Eagerly on Him

Chap. 4
4:1 - Stand Firm
4:2-3 - Harmony
4:4-7 - Conflict Resolution 101
4:8 - Sharpen Your Focus
4:9 - Practice Makes Perfect
4:10-13 - Content in Circumstances
4:14-16 - You Shared
4:17-19 - Needs Met
4:20-23 - Closing Comments.