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An introduction to the book of Philippians.
The apostle Paul wrote this inspired letter
from Rome,
where he was under house arrest.
He wrote the letter about 60 or 61 C.E.
Some years earlier,
during his second missionary tour,
Paul had received a vision
while he was in Troas.
A Macedonian man entreated him:
“Step over into Macedonia and help us.”
So in about 50 C.E.,
Paul and his companions
began to preach the good news
in the Macedonian city of Philippi.
Paul established a congregation there,
but not without opposition.
He and Silas were beaten
with rods and thrown into prison,
where their feet were fastened in stocks.
Paul returned to Philippi
during his third missionary tour.
His letter to the congregation
reveals the special bond of love
that he and the Philippian brothers
had for each other.
The letter to the Philippians
has four chapters.
In chapter 1,
Paul writes
that his current imprisonment in Rome
has led to “the advancement
of the good news.”
The apostle’s courage
in the face of opposition
has strengthened the brothers
to keep speaking the word of God fearlessly.
In chapter 2,
Paul encourages the Philippians
to keep imitating
the mental attitude of Christ.
The Philippians are then commended
for “shining as illuminators in the world.”
Did you know?
Sometime earlier,
the Philippians
had sent Epaphroditus to Rome
with a gift for Paul.
Paul later sent Epaphroditus
back to Philippi,
entrusting him with his inspired letter
to the congregation.
In chapter 3,
Paul warns against those
who have “confidence in the flesh,”
evidently because of their Jewish background.
Paul considers any advantages
that he once enjoyed as a Pharisee
to be refuse compared
with the privilege of knowing Christ
and being in union with him.
In chapter 4,
the Philippians are reminded,
not to be “anxious over anything,”
but to find “the peace of God”
through prayer,
supplication, and thanksgiving.
Paul also thanks the congregation
for its generosity
in providing for his material needs.
As you read the letter to the Philippians,
note how our being steadfast under trial
can encourage others to stand firm,
how God’s Word and spirit can help us
to keep imitating
the mental attitude of Christ,
and how true peace comes to those
who turn to God in heartfelt prayer
as they await his Kingdom rule.

Introduction to Philippians