Phil Se
Phil Se
Phil Se
The Philippians
(Student Edition)
MARK A. COPELAND
Mark A. Copeland
Introduction 3
Chapter One 8
Chapter Two 11
Chapter Three 15
Chapter Four 18
The outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel.
Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To
God be the glory!
AUTHOR
The apostle Paul (1:1), joined in his salutation by Timothy. Personal references by the author
(1:12-14; 2:19-24; 3:4-7; 4:15-16) are certainly consistent with what we know of Paul from other
New Testament sources. Paul's authorship of this letter is also supported by the testimony of early
"church fathers" such as Polycarp and Irenaeus.
Named after Philip of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great, it was a major city of Macedonia
on the road from Rome to Asia known as the Egnatian Way. It was the site of a famous battle in 42
B.C. in which Antony and Octavius defeated Brutus and Cassius. In 30 B.C., Octavian made the town
a Roman colony where retired soldiers could live and enjoy the full privileges of Roman citizenship (to
which Paul may have alluded in 3:20).
During his second missionary journey (49-52 A.D.), Paul and his traveling companions (Timothy and
Silas) were making their way across Asia Minor (Turkey) when Paul received a vision at Troas. In the
vision, a man of Macedonia pleaded, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Perceiving that the Lord
was calling them to go to Macedonia, they sailed from Troas (Luke having joined them) and eventually
arrived at Philippi (Ac 16:6-12).
With the conversion of Lydia (Ac 16:13-15) and the Philippian jailor (Ac 16:25-34), the church was
established at Philippi. The lack of a synagogue seems to indicate that Jews were not prevalent and so
the church may have consisted primarily of Gentiles. From the conversion of Lydia and references in
the epistle itself (4:2-3), it is evident that a number of women played a role in the growth of the church.
When it became necessary for Paul to leave, Luke seems to have stayed at Philippi (based upon careful
observations of personal pronouns; e.g., "we, they", cf. Ac 16:12; 17:1). As Paul left Macedonia, the
church at Philippi became a significant source of support (4:15-16; 2 Co 11:9).
Paul visited the church at Philippi again on his third missionary journey (Ac 20:3,6).
Philippians is one of Paul's four "prison epistles" (1:7,13,17; cf. Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon).
The general consensus is that these epistles were written during Paul's imprisonment at Rome (cf. Ac
28:16,30-31). If such is truly the case, then Paul wrote Philippians around 61-63 A.D. from Rome.
The church at Philippi had sent a gift to Paul in Rome by the hand of Epaphroditus (4:10,18). Paul uses
this occasion not only to thank them, but to comfort them concerning his situation as a prisoner for Jesus
Christ (1:12-14). He also writes of his plans to send Timothy soon (2:19-24), and why he considered
it necessary to send Epaphroditus back to them (2:25-30). There may have also been a problem at
Philippi involving two women, for Paul has a few words to say concerning them (4:2-3).
Throughout this short and rather personal epistle, one keynote resounds again and again. That keynote
is joy. Five times the word "joy" (Grk., chara) is found (1:4,25; 2:2,29; 4:1), and the verb "to rejoice"
(Grk., chairein) occurs eleven times (twice in 1:18; 2:17,18; 4:4; once in 2:28; 3:1; 4:10). For this
reason, the epistle to the Philippians has often been called Paul's "hymn of joy" in which the theme is:
OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION (1:1-11)
1. Salutation (1-2)
2. Thanksgiving and prayer (3-11)
CONCLUSION (4:20-23)
1. Praise to God (4:20)
2. Greetings from those with Paul, even those of Caesar's household (4:21-22)
3. Final benediction (4:23)
3) Who seems to have stayed at Philippi after Paul left? (cf. "we, they", Ac 16:12; 17:1)
5) What three other epistles were written about this time? What are the four epistles
sometimes called?
7) From Acts 16 and Philippians 4, who were some of the members of the church at Philippi?
8) What is the theme running throughout this epistle? Which verse stands out as the key
verse?
9) List the six main sections of this epistle as given in the above outline
2) To learn from Paul's attitude concerning persecution, death, and the purpose of life
SUMMARY
Paul begins his epistle with his customary salutation followed by an expression of thanksgiving and
prayer. The church at Philippi had been a source of great joy to Paul by virtue of their fellowship with
him in the proclamation of the gospel. Confident that God will complete the work He began in them,
Paul prays that their spiritual growth will continue (1-11).
His circumstances at Rome have actually been for the furtherance of the gospel, despite imprisonment
and opposition by false brethren. He is confident that everything will turn out all right, and that he will
even come to them again. It is not without mixed feelings, however, for he is torn between a desire to
be with Christ and a realization that to remain in the flesh is more needful for them (12-26).
At the moment, his desire is that whether absent or present he may hear they are conducting themselves
worthy of the gospel, by standing fast in one spirit and one mind for the gospel and not disturbed by any
adversaries. They should take comfort in knowing that, like Paul, they have been granted the honor not
only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for His sake (27-30).
OUTLINE
I. INTRODUCTION (1-11)
A. SALUTATION (1-2)
1. From Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ (1a)
2. To the saints in Christ Jesus who in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons (1b)
3. Grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ (2)
5) Upon what basis did Paul have this confidence concerning the Philippians? (7)
6) What four things did Paul pray for in behalf of the Philippians? (9-11)
8) What was Paul's attitude about those preaching Christ out of envy and strife, trying to do
him harm? (15-18)
9) What was Paul's earnest desire and expectation that he could do with all boldness? (20)
10) What was Paul's attitude toward life and death? (21)
11) Between what two things was Paul hard pressed? (23-24)
12) What sort of conduct did Paul consider worthy of the gospel of Christ? (27)
13) What had been granted to the Philippians on behalf of Christ? (29)
1) To appreciate the importance of unity, and how it can be maintained by following Jesus' example of
humility
SUMMARY
The first chapter included an exhortation to stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for
the faith of the gospel (1:27). Paul continues with the call for unity, providing reasons why we should
desire unity, the nature of our unity, and attitudes necessary to maintain unity (1-4). Stressing the need
for humility and sacrificial service towards others, Paul appeals to the example of Christ and expounds
upon how far Christ was willing to go to save us (5-11).
He continues with another exhortation to "shine as lights in the world" as they work out their own
salvation with fear and trembling. Doing all things without complaining and arguing, while holding fast
the word of life, they will prove themselves to be children of God in the midst of a crooked and
perverse generation. This will also prove to Paul that his labors have not been in vain, and any
persecution he endures is viewed as a sacrifice in the service of their faith and a cause for mutual
rejoicing (12-18).
He then writes of his plans pertaining to Timothy and Epaphroditus. He will send Timothy shortly, that
he might know of their condition. But Epaphroditus is coming at once in order to set their hearts at ease
about Epaphroditus' brush with death due to a recent illness (19-30).
OUTLINE
5) What is said about Christ that proves Him to be a prime example of humility? (5-8)
6) Having been highly exalted, what should every person do at the name of Jesus? (9-11)
7) What did Paul want his beloved brethren to do in his absence? (12)
9) What two things are necessary if we are to be children of God without fault, harmless and
blameless, shining as lights in the world? (14-16)
11) What two things are said about Timothy? (20, 22)
2) To understand the need to strive toward perfection in our desire to know and serve Christ
SUMMARY
In this chapter we find a warning against those who place great confidence in the flesh (1-3). If anyone
had reason to boast about fleshly accomplishments, it was Paul with his Jewish heritage (4-6). But all
such things were considered rubbish in relation to the excellence of knowing Christ Jesus (7-8).
Therefore Paul had as his goal to be found in Christ, having that righteousness which is by faith in Jesus,
knowing Him and the power of His resurrection, and even sharing in His sufferings, that he might by any
means attain to the resurrection from the dead (9-11).
Paul then describes his attitude of pressing on, and encourages all to follow his example and that of
others who walk likewise (12-17). Such an exhortation is necessary in view of the reality that there are
many people who are enemies of the cross of Christ, who have made their fleshly appetites the focus of
their minds, and indeed their god (18-19). Christians, however, should remember that their true
citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for Jesus Christ who will transform our lowly bodies
to be conformed to His glorious body (20-21).
OUTLINE
4) What sort of things could Paul have boasted pertaining to the flesh? (4-6)
7) Did Paul view himself as having already attained, or having been perfected? (12)
12) What description is given of those who are "enemies of the cross of Christ"? (18-19)
SUMMARY
This final chapter begins with a series of exhortations to unity, joy, and peace. With great affection, Paul
pleads with his beloved Philippians to stand fast in the Lord (1). With great diplomacy and a call for
assistance from others, he implores Euodia and Syntyche to be of one mind in the Lord (3-4). He then
follows with a call for them to rejoice always in the Lord, letting their gentleness be known to all, and
through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to allow the peace of God remove any anxiety (5-7).
His final exhortations include a call to meditate on things of virtue and worthy of praise, and to imitate his
example in order to ensure that God will be with them (8-9).
At last he comes to the matter which occasioned this letter, expressing joy and gratitude for the gift they
had sent to him by way of Epaphroditus. As they had done before on several occasions, so now they
had provided for his necessities. He is thankful, even though he was quite content, for he knows that
this gift really abounds to their account, serving as a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is well pleasing to God
(10-19).
His closing remarks include praise to God, and greetings from those with him, especially members of
Caesar's household. As was his custom, he closes with a final prayer that the grace of the Lord Jesus
Christ be with them all (20-23).
OUTLINE
3. Meditate upon things worthy of virtue and praise, and follow Paul's example (8-9)
2) How does Paul describe his brethren as he exhorts them to stand fast in the Lord? (1)
3) What two women does Paul implore to be of the same mind in the Lord? (2)
6) Why are we to let our gentleness (or moderation) be known to all men? (5)
8) What will the peace of God do in response to such thankful prayer? (7)
10) How can one ensure that the God of peace will be them? (9)
11) What had served as a source of great joy for Paul? (10)
14) When had the church at Philippi helped Paul before? (15-16)
15) Why was Paul really pleased with their gift? (17)
16) How did Paul view the gift they had sent by way of Epaphroditus? (18)
18) Who in particular sent greetings to the Philippians by way of Paul? (22)
19) What was Paul's final prayer for his beloved Philippians? (23)