At a glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authorship | Paul + Timothy |
| Date | ~60-62 AD (Roman imprisonment) |
| Audience | Philippian church (first European church planted by Paul) |
| Genre | Epistle of joy |
| Purpose | Thank for support + encourage unity + warn against false teaching |
| Chapters | 4 |
Main themes
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Joy in Christ | Despite imprisonment |
| Christ-mindedness | Php.2.5-11 humility hymn |
| Pressing on toward goal | Php.3.12-14 |
| Peace + contentment | Php.4 |
| Christian unity | Same mind in Lord |
Key passages
- Php.1.6, the one who began a good work will complete it
- Php.1.21, to live is Christ and to die is gain
- Php.2.5-11, Christ-hymn (kenosis)
- Php.3.7-14, pressing on
- Php.4.4-7, rejoice + don't be anxious
- Php.4.13, strength for all things through Christ
- Php.4.19, God supplies every need