At a glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authorship | Paul and Timothy |
| Date | ~60-62 AD (Roman imprisonment) |
| Audience | Philippian church (first European church planted by Paul) |
| Genre | Epistle of joy |
| Purpose | Thank for support and encourage unity and warn against false teaching |
| Chapters | 4 |
Main themes
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Joy in Christ | Despite imprisonment |
| Christ-mindedness | Philippians 2:5-11 humility hymn |
| Pressing on toward goal | Philippians 3:12-14 |
| Peace and contentment | Philippians 4 |
| Christian unity | Same mind in Lord |
Key passages
- Philippians 1:6, the one who began a good work will complete it
- Philippians 1:21, to live is Christ and to die is gain
- Philippians 2:5-11, Christ-hymn (kenosis)
- Philippians 3:7-14, pressing on
- Philippians 4:4-7, rejoice and don't be anxious
- Philippians 4:13, strength for all things through Christ
- Philippians 4:19, God supplies every need