Who wrote Philippians, and when?
Paul, with Timothy. About AD 60–62, from prison in Rome.
Paul wrote Philippians, with Timothy named alongside him, and its authorship is not in doubt. Paul was in prison when he wrote, guarded by soldiers and unsure whether he would live or die. Traditionally, and in the view of most scholars, this was his imprisonment in Rome, which places the letter at about AD 60 to 62. Some scholars suggest an earlier imprisonment in Ephesus, which would put the letter in the mid 50s and would explain how messengers travelled back and forth so quickly. Either way, Paul writes as a man in chains who has somehow found deep joy, and that is the setting the reader needs.
Who was Philippians written to?
The church in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia and the first church Paul planted in Europe.
The readers were the Christians of Philippi, a city in Macedonia in northern Greece. Philippi was a Roman colony, settled by retired soldiers and proud of its Roman identity. Paul had planted the church there on his second journey; the first believers included Lydia, a merchant, and a jailer (see Acts 16). It was the first church he founded in Europe, and it became his most faithful supporter. The Philippians had sent him money more than once and had just sent a gift by the hand of Epaphroditus, who then fell dangerously ill. They were facing pressure from outside and a quarrel between two leading women inside. They loved Paul and were worried about him.
What was happening at the time?
The Philippians had supported Paul financially from the start and had just sent Epaphroditus with another gift. Paul writes to thank them, to report on his imprisonment, and to address a rift between two women and the pressure of opponents. The letter is warm and full of joy, centred on the hymn of Christ’s humility and exaltation.
Why was Philippians written?
To thank the Philippians, to encourage unity and joy, and to hold up Christ’s humility as the pattern for life.
Philippians is a thank-you letter, a progress report and a gentle correction all at once. Paul wants to thank the church for its gift, to tell them his imprisonment has actually spread the gospel, and to send Epaphroditus home with honour. He also wants to heal a rift and to steady the church against opponents. The heart of the letter is a poem or hymn about Christ, who did not cling to his rights but humbled himself to death on a cross and was then raised to the highest place (see 2:5-11). That is the pattern for their life together. In the Bible's wider story, Philippians shows the humble, serving Messiah becoming the model for a whole community.
How to read Philippians today
Read it in one sitting first; it is only four chapters and the warmth comes through best that way. Then read chapter 2 slowly and notice how the hymn about Christ is surrounded by very practical appeals to unity. Chapter 3 is Paul's own story of what he gave up and what he gained. Chapter 4:4-13 is a favourite for anxious people for good reason. Watch how often the word joy appears and ask where Paul finds it. Do not read chapter 4:13 as a promise of success in anything you attempt; the context is about contentment in plenty and in need. As you read, pray for the humility of Christ in one specific relationship where you find it hardest.
The key verse in Philippians
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Passages worth knowing in Philippians
- Philippians 1:12-26
To live is Christ
Paul’s imprisonment has advanced the gospel.
- Philippians 2:1-11
The mind of Christ
He humbled himself; every knee shall bow.
- Philippians 3
Counting all things loss
Pressing toward the goal.
- Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice; be anxious for nothing
The peace of God which surpasses understanding.
- Philippians 4:10-20
Content in every situation
I can do all things through Christ.
The main themes of Philippians
- Joy
- Humility
- Unity
- Knowing Christ
- Contentment
- Partnership in the gospel
An outline of Philippians
| Section | Chapters |
|---|---|
| Thanksgiving and Paul’s situation | 1 |
| The mind of Christ | 2 |
| Knowing Christ | 3 |
| Rejoice and be content | 4 |