PHILIPPIANS - Exultation
INTRODUCTION: Philippians was one of the four Epistles written by Paul from his Roman jail. It is an expression of joy in the midst of adversity. It has been called his “love letter” to the Church at Philippi, and is among the most intimate of all his Letters.
I. The Author of the Book -
A. The Apostle Paul (1:1) - Though his name only appears twice, 1st person pronouns are used 116 times.
B. Biographical information about Paul found in Philippians includes:
1. His strong Jewish roots (3:4-5)
2. His strong Jewish zeal (3:6)
3. His strong Jewish righteousness (3:6; Rom. 10:1-4)
C. Personal experiences in the Book that identify the writer as Paul include:
1. His imprisonment (1:7, 13)
2. His expected release (1:25)
3. His anticipated travel to Philippi (1:27; 2:24)
II. The Recipients of the Book
A. The City of Philippi
1. The chief City of Macedonia {Northern Greece}(Acts 16:12);
2. A Roman Colony (Acts 16:12): self government, exempt from Roman taxation;
3. A military outpost;
4. Few Jews - no Synagogue.
B. The Church at Philippi
1. Established by the Missionary Team of Paul, Silas, Timothy & Luke. (Acts 15:35- 16:10)
2. 1st convert - Lydia and her household. (Acts 16:12-15, 40)
3. A demonic exorcism landed Paul in jail where the jailer and his family became Christians. (Acts 16:16-39)
4. They loved Paul and financially supported his ministry after he left them. (Phil. 4:14-17)
III. The Date & Place of Writing
A. Place: Written, together with Philippians, Colossians & Philemon, from Rome, while Paul was awaiting trial before Caesar (3:1; 4:1; Acts 28:30)
B. Date: Probably written in late 61 AD, or early 62 AD.
IV. The Purpose of the Book
A. To relieve anxiety over his imprisonment by showing how it resulted in the furtherance of the Gospel (1:1-30 );
B. To encourage unity in the Church at Philippi (2:1-8);
C. To inform the Church of Timothy’s impending visit (2:18-24);
D. To explain how Epaphroditus’ illness had hindered his return to them (2:25-30);
E. To warn them about the deceit and heresy of the Judaizers (3:1 - 4:1);
F. To admonish two women to stop bickering (4:2-3);
G. To offer an antidote to anxiety - Prayer (4:4-9);
H. To thank them for their financial support (4:10-20);
I. To express brotherly love and personal greetings (4:21-23);
V. The Keys to the Book
A. The key thought = Always Rejoicing, No Matter the Circumstance.
B. The key phrase = "Rejoice in the Lord always". (4:4)
C. The key verses = 3:1; 4:4
D. Key Words:
1. Rejoice - 11 times
2. Joy - 6 times
3. All - 26 times
4. Christ - 37 times
5. Life - 6 times
VI. The Outline to the Book
A. The Single Mind - Christ our Life - Ch. 1
1. Fellowship of the Gospel (vv. 1-11)
2. Furtherance of the Gospel (vv. 12-26)
3. Faith and the Gospel (vv. 27-30)
B. The Submissive Mind - Christ our Mind - Ch. 2
1. Encouragement to live in peaceful accord (vv. 1-11)
2. Exhortation to shine as lights in the world (vv. 12-18)
3. Explanation of plans for co-workers (vv. 19-30)
C. The Spiritual Mind - Christ our Goal - Ch. 3
1. Paul the Accountant (vv. 1-11)
2. Paul the Athlete (vv. 12-16)
3. Paul the Alien (vv. 17-21)
D. The Secure Mind - Christ our Joy & Strength - Ch. 4
1. Rejoicing stops wrangling (vv. 1-4)
2. Rejoicing stops worrying (vv. 5-8)
3. Rejoicing stops want (vv. 9-23)
