Philippians - Chapter 1

1-2

Greetings

Paul begins his letter in the usual way people wrote in his day. He was the author of the letter and although he uses the word “I”, it is likely Timothy actually wrote the letter, acting as a scribe for Paul. We know writers of the gospels and Paul used secretaries, as Romans 16:22 mentions specifically Tertius. Paul mentions Timothy in his greeting in other letters and we know Timothy was with Paul when the church at Philippi was established (Acts 16).

Notice how Paul writes to “all the believers” and he uses this word over and over again:

• “he prays for them all” (1:4)

• “he loves them all” (1:7)

• “he would like to be with them all” (1:8)

• “he would like to stay with them all” (1:25)

• his final greetings are to them all (4:21)

3-8

Thanks to God

Paul emphasizes his personal faith by saying “my God”. Here Paul gives thanks for two things:

1. the gift of money.

2. their spiritual help as they prayed for him.

Verse 4 uses the word “joy” and reflects Paul’s state of mind, even though he is in prison. 

Verse 6 reminds that even though Paul brought the gospel to Philippi, the work was done by God. What God has begun, He will complete when Christ returns (notice how closely this attitude mirrors the attitude of Daniel when he spoke to the king about his dream).

9-11

Paul’s prayer

Their love is not perfected. An increase in their knowledge will increase their love for each other and spiritual intelligence will help them know what is really important.

The word “approve” in verse 10 reflects a translation of a Greek work that means “test the purity of metal or coins”. Afterward, Paul advises in verse 11 that they should continue to bear fruit from their walk with Christ.

12-14

The results of Paul being in prison:

All where Paul is (Rome) know why he is in prison there, which is for preaching the gospel. He is under the constant guard of the emperor’s special guard so while more of them guard him, more will learn the gospel, and the word will spread to others as well.

15-17

Two different reasons why people are declaring the gospel:

After Paul arrived in Rome, some others became jealous. As they try to attract attention to themselves, their attitude is wrong. Paul says that God has given him the work to defend the gospel.

18-26

Paul wishes to bring honor to Christ by his own death:

Paul seems to think he will be released. He is happy to hear people talk of Christ, no matter the reason (right or wrong). Paul teaches that he will have no shame, and will be happy, and if necessary, will die without fear.

Paul teaches one of our most beautiful lessons as Christians when he tells us to live is Christ and to die is gain. WHAT A LESSON TO LIVE BY!

Paul has the power to live in the right way because Christ lives in him (Gal 2:20) and the only purpose of his life is to honor the Lord. To love and serve Christ is life.

If Paul must leave this life, it is to his gain. It will mean he will be home with the Lord in Heaven (2 Cor 5:8), where he will finally be freed from sin, pain, or trouble. His great reward will be there after his long struggle here. His death will be a great witness to his faith. Two hundred years later an early Christian writer wrote that “the blood of martyrs is the true seed of the church”.

Paul notes that it is better for the believers at Philippi if he does not die. Their need was more important than his own wishes.

27-30

Paul urges the Christians at Philippi to fight for their faith:

Paul speaks of their way of life as citizens, meaning earthly as well as heavenly citizens. Later in 3:20 he will discuss their home in heaven.

We must obey earthly laws, be good citizens, and derive the benefits of that obedience. The same issue applies to obedience of the commands given by the Lord, and the benefits to come from our obedience will be evident as the gospel brings blessings to those whose faith remains strong.

Paul reminds them to fight side by side, which is an allusion to how Roman soldiers fight to victory in close ranks. There were many possible opponents:

1. Jews who oppose the Christian faith.

2. Gentiles, including Roman officials, who were turning against the Christians.

3. False teachers of two kinds:

   • Jewish Christians who still urge circumcision.

   • Those who make God’s grace an excuse for allowing their physical desires to control them.

Paul had once attacked the believers in Christ himself and he knew that it is faith that keeps them true and nothing else. Pain and trouble now are a sign that faith is genuine while they struggle with the same problems Paul had in his walk with the Lord. The struggle is like that of a runner who is trying to win a race.

Strength to persevere is found in Christ and faith is made stronger by testing.