Overview   The letter to the Philippians was written by the by the Apostle Paul while he was under house arrest in Rome AD 62 (Phil 1:1; 4:22). The letter itself indicates the apostle was writing with at least five purposes in mind. First, Paul was writing to show his appreciation for their "Partnership in the gospel" (Phil 1:5-8) in which his imprisonment was advancing the gospel (Phil 1:12-18). Specifically, the Philippian Christians interceded on behalf of Paul in prayer (1:19), they were sincerely concerned for Paul in spite of their own problems (Phil 1:29), and gave out of their own need to help the apostle (Phil 4:14, 18; 2 Corinthians 11:9). It is noteworthy that it is in this context that Paul notes their support as "a sacrifice pleasing to God" followed with, "And my God shall supply all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19). The second reason Paul wrote this letter was to inform the Philippian believers he would be sending Timothy to Philipi to assist in the ministry (Phil 2:19-22). The apostle asked them to receive Timothy warmly as he is also a partner with them in the gospel, has proved himself under Paul, and has the mind of Christ with a genuine concern for the well-being of the Christians there. Third, and in addition to thanking the Philippians for their most recent gift, Paul explains why he sent Epaphroditus back to them, commends him, and thanks them for his sacrificial service (Phil 2:22-25). Forth, Paul writes to encourage two of the female members of the Philippian congregation to "agree in the Lord" (Phil 4:1). Fifth, Paul writes encouraging the Philippians to live above life's circumstances in this gospel partnership (Phil 1:4, 12; 2:17-18; 4:4, 11-13). Each purpose is directly/inderctly connected to the gospel in this letter.

Gospel The word gospel is found ten times in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians (1:4; 1:7; 1:12; 1:15; 1:27; 2:19; 4:2; and 4:15), and the letter itself provides unique insights into the gospel that are interwoven in his commendation, and that are instructional in nature. For example, Paul contrasts selfish ambition with an others interests mindset, and pride/conceit with an attitude of humility (1:17; 2:3-4). In due course Paul identifies the model servent attitude of those partnering in the gospel by referring to Christ: "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing taking the very nature of a servent, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-event death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him a name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth, and in every tounge confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:5-11). Thus, partnering in the gospel not only includes having the right verbal confession, but its very nature is indicitive of a Christ centered attitude characteristic of humility, serventude, self-sacrifice and redemptive suffering (for righteousness sake and the gospel). These principles are based upon the cross of Christ Jesus and the gospel, and seem to be neglected in our age. Thus, Paul encourages the Philippians living according to the principles of the cross of Christ Jesus in this "gospel partnership" to contiue, and those not abiding to begin appropriating these principles by grace through faith.

Characteristicly, Paul reminds the Philippians that salvation can only be realized by grace through faith in accordance with the gospel he received/taught them (Phil 3:1-4:1). In the course of recalling his own prior religous legalistic righteousness as human waste compared to the righteousness of God in Christ through faith (3:1-9; cf Gal 5:4), Paul encourages the Philippians to view/live life from a heaven bound perspective saying, "Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there-Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (Phil 3:17-21) Note that Paul doesn't make the distinction between those attending/not attending Christian meetings when he states "Many live as enemies of the cross," and it is interesting that Paul "pleads" that two of the women among their congregation come into agreement in the Lord in the surrounding context (4:2). Even so, this letter indicates that God's initive through Christ by grace, and man's reposnce by grace through faith is ongoing (Phil 3:12; cf Phil 2:12). This pursuit by grace through faith "worked out," and ecspecially when living above life's circumstances is the mark of maturity (3:15). According to Paul, "This is how you should 'stand firm' in the Lord, dear friends"(Phil 4:1). ______________________________________________

The links below will direct you to these sites, and images of this manuscript. I have also included the English Greek intilenear for Philippians, and concordance. These resources will show that modern English translations of this letter are subtantially the same, and has remained in tact. Combined with preserved writings of the early church leaders  citing passages that concurr with the same passages found in modern translations of the Holy Bible, we can have confidence in its itegrity. We should also seriously heed the message of this letter where the Apostle Paul emphasizes the need to perservere in the gospel by grace through faith stating , "Continue to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). Click here for more.