Lesson ▪ 2001 Tags: Philippians; Fellowship Related Resources: Dominant Themes of the Epistle to the Philippians ▪ “Get Involved in the Gospel!” Background InformationAuthorPaul clearly names himself as the author (1:1). The details of the epistle (e.g., references to Timothy, the founding of the church, the self-description of the author) fit with Pauline authorship. “The greeting names Paul and Timothy as its senders; and there is no reasonable ground to discredit the notice about the writer and his assistant since the diction and ideas are very much in harmony with other Pauline Epistles . . .”1ContextPaul planted the church at Philippi during his second missionary journey (cf. Acts 16:9-40). The church remained in contact with Paul after he left Philippi, sending him gifts while he was in Thessalonica (Phil 4:15-16). Its members contributed to Paul’s Jerusalem collection despite adverse circumstances (2 Cor 8:1-5). And late in Paul’s ministry, they sent him an offering by way of Epaphroditus (Phil 4:10-14, 17-18). The letter to the Philippians was penned as an expression of thanksgiving.DateVarious details in the epistle seem to indicate that Paul wrote it during his imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:16-31). Timothy was present with him at the time of writing (Phil 1:1; cf. 2 Tim 4:9ff). He was in “bonds” (Phil 1:13, 16), facing the real possibility of death (vv 20-21). He was in the vicinity of converts from “Caesar’s household” (4:22), and his testimony had impacted “the whole palace guard” (1:13 NKJV). Therefore, Paul would have written the letter between 60 and 62 A.D.2ThemesThe major themes of Philippians are not difficult to identify; in fact, most appear in the opening statement that follows Paul’s salutation (1:3-11).
Commentators disagree on which of these themes is to be considered predominant. Many interpreters identify joy as the letter’s primary motif. However, through repeated reading of the book I have come to conclude that the central idea is that of partnership (or fellowship) in the gospel. Paul’s main concern in writing to the Philippians was that they continue to conduct themselves as partners in the enterprise of the gospel. This idea is communicated most clearly at the end of chapter 1:
It also appears in other texts:
Thesis StatementThe message of the whole epistle can be summarized in the following thesis:Believers should conduct themselves as partners in the gospel of Jesus
Christ, joyfully serving, regardless of circumstances, until his return.
OutlineTracing the theme of partnership in the gospel through the book yields the following outline:
Partnership through Adversity (1:1-30)At the time of writing Paul was in the custody of the Roman government, his fate unknown. If tradition is correct, he would soon die a martyr. While he was a prisoner, some sought to discourage him by stirring up division among Christians. Yet, none of these circumstances deterred him from faithfulness to the Lord. Rather, he requested prayer that he would boldly represent Christ. In short, he modeled his own teaching that “unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake” (1:29).Partnership through Unity (2:1-30)Paul encouraged the Philippians to share the mind of Christ, who humbly divested himself of the glory of heaven so as to take the form of a servant and die a criminal’s death. He held up Timothy and Epaphroditus, two ministers well known to the church, as examples of faithful service. He enjoined them to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (2:12), in unity shining “as lights in the world” (2:15).Partnership through Conformity (3:1-4:9)Paul contrasted godly living with the excesses of legalism and libertinism. By his own testimony he showed the folly of trusting in one’s own accomplishments rather than the righteousness of Christ. He referred to his own determination to “know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (3:10). Without reservation he called on the Philippians to follow him and others who shared his desire to be identified with Christ.Partnership through Generosity (4:10-23)Paul acknowledged the generous assistance that the Philippians had provided him at various points in his ministry. He characterized their most recent gift as “a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God” (4:18). He applauded their generosity because he knew it produced spiritual reward. He affirmed that God would faithfully supply all their needs because of their sacrificial giving.SummaryPaul’s letter to the Philippians interweaves deep theological insights with the apostle’s warm feelings toward a church that had shown itself faithful for years. It contains so many memorable texts, including the sublime statement that “to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (1:21); a hymn that identifies Christ as the Son of God who became flesh to die in our place (2:5-11); Paul’s testimony of his renunciation of all things for the privilege of knowing Christ (3:4ff); instructions on how to honor the Lord with our thought life (4:6-9); and reminders of God’s faithfulness to his children (4:13, 19).Notes1Bo Reicke, “Philippians, Epistle to the,” in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 4th ed., ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979-88), 3:838.2Ibid.; Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty, New Testament ed., ed. John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck (Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books, 1983), 647. Download This Resource |
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