This epistle is vastly accepted by Biblical scholars as having been written by Paul. This letter is addressed to the church that meets in Philippi, a congregation that was mostly comprised of Gentile believers. The church was founded by Paul during his second missionary journey. Acts 16 tells of how Paul went to outside the city gate to search for a place of prayer where he could teach. Once he found it, he began teaching to a group of women that were gathered there. One of those that heard and accepted Paul’s message was Lydia, a seller of purple cloth. She not only received the message but opened her house for Paul to stay and teach there. Thus the church at Philippi began.
The contents of the letter suggest that the church there began a partnership with Paul from the beginning. Throughout the letter one can read Paul setting the ground for encouraging a proper response to persecution that they could face. Paul is not foreign to it -they know this about him- so he also prepares them by telling them that they will get to share in his sufferings as well. Paul refers to them as their partners in the Gospel, not only of his afflictions but also in their giving for his preaching of the gospel in other areas. The tone of the letter is such that allows us to see the extent of Paul’s determination to proclaim Christ even if were to cost him his very life (Phil.1:21). After a brief but meaningful salutation, Paul goes on to present Jesus as an example of the attitude followers of Christ ought to have. He not only stops there but moves on to present Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples of this very attitude. In chapter 3 Paul warns the church about those who present themselves as teachers of a pseudo gospel that requires believers in Christ to observe Jewish customs alongside the teachings of Christ. Paul responds saying that this is confidence in the flesh, not in Christ. He could have reasons to confide in the flesh, however, in contrast to Christ this is worthless. Therefore faith in Christ is the central goal for being a disciple. Paul calls for imitation of his life in order that they might practice the very attitude of Christ as he is doing. If this does not happen, the result could be like that of Euodia and Syntyche (chap. 4) who even though are fellow workers in Christ are in conflict with each other not having the mind of Christ. He ends the letter by thanking them for their care and concern and encouraging them to remain faithful. The letter of Paul has inspired countless of people and will continue to do so. See next page so you can memorize some of the key verses.
