Summary Author : Paul Time : A.D. 62 Summary : Paul's main purpose in writing this letter seems to have been to thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent him when they heard he had been imprisoned at Rome (1:5; 4:10–19). But Paul also discusses several other issues. He encourages the Philippians to stand firm in the face of persecution and exhorted them to humility and unity. He also commended Timothy and Epaphroditus to the church and warned the Philippians against people who encouraged a return to the Jewish law. The letter is outstanding in its emphasis on joy; the word ‘joy’ occurs 16 times. Key verse : "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (4:6,7).

Outline 1. Greetings and thanksgiving 1:1–11 2. Paul's personal circumstances 1:12–26 3. Exhortations 1:27–2:18 a) Living a life worthy of the gospel 1:27–30 b) Following the servant attitude of Christ 2:1–18 4. Timothy and Epaphroditus 2:19–30 5. Warnings against false teachers 3:1–4:1 6. Final exhortations, thanks and conclusion 4:2–23 a) Exhortations 4:2–9 b) Thanks 4:10–20 c) Greetings and benediction 4:21–23 (RH)

Author – Paul
Time – 62 A.D.

Summary – The tone of this letter is more personal in nature than any other letter. Paul outlines his own beliefs and states that all believers must not be self–centred in their lives, but must look to Christ for an example of self–sacrifice and unity in purpose. He further contrasts enemies of the cross with those who are friends of the Lord Jesus and the cross. It is thought that Paul wrote this epistle while he was in prison.

Key Verses – "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. But indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ"
Philippians 3 v 7 to 8

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind"
Philippians 3 v 13 to 15

Christ our life – Chapter 1 v 1 to 30

Christ our mind – Chapter 2 v 1 to 30

Christ our goal – Chapter 3 v 1 to 4 v 1

Christ our strength – Chapter 4 v 2 to 2