Epistle to the Philippians
The Epistle to the Philippians[a] is a Pauline epistle of the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The epistle is attributed to Paul the Apostle and Timothy is named with him as co-author or co-sender. The letter is addressed to the Christian church in Philippi.[3] Paul, Timothy, Silas (and perhaps Luke) first visited Philippi in Greece (Macedonia) during Paul's second missionary journey from Antioch, which occurred between approximately 50 and 52 AD. In the account of his visit in the Acts of the Apostles, Paul and Silas are accused of "disturbing the city".[4]
"Philippians" redirects here. Not to be confused with Philippines or Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians.There is a general consensus that Philippians consists of authentically Pauline material, and that the epistle is a composite of multiple letter fragments from Paul to the church in Philippi.[5][6]: 17 These letters could have been written from Ephesus in 52–55 AD or Caesarea Maritima in 57–59, but the most likely city of provenance is Rome, around 62 AD, or about 10 years after Paul's first visit to Philippi.[7]
Contents[edit]
In Chapters 1 and 2 of Philippians (Letter B), Paul sends word to the Philippians of his upcoming sentence in Rome and of his optimism in the face of death,[17] along with exhortations to imitate his capacity to rejoice in the Lord despite one's circumstances.[18] Paul assures the Philippians that his imprisonment is actually helping to spread the Christian message, rather than hindering it.[19] He also expresses gratitude for the devotion and heroism of Epaphroditus, who the Philippian church had sent to visit Paul and bring him gifts.[20] Some time during his visit with Paul, Epaphroditus apparently contracted some life-threatening debilitating illness.[21] But he recovers before being sent back to the Philippians.
In Chapter 3 (Letter C), Paul warns the Philippians about those Christians who insist that circumcision is necessary for salvation. He testifies that while he once was a devout Pharisee and follower of the Jewish law, he now considers these things to be worthless and worldly compared to the gospel of Jesus.[22]
In Chapter 4, Paul urges the Philippians to resolve conflicts within their fellowship.[23] In the latter part of the chapter (Letter A), Paul expresses his gratitude for the gifts that the Philippians had sent him, and assures them that God will reward them for their generosity.[24]
Throughout the epistle there is a sense of optimism. Paul is hopeful that he will be released, and on this basis he promises to send Timothy to the Philippians for ministry,[25] and also expects to pay them a personal visit.[26]
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the : Easton, Matthew George (1897). "Philippians, Epistle to the". Easton's Bible Dictionary (New and revised ed.). T. Nelson and Sons.
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