Colossians / Philemon Review:•What are some things we learn about Jesus Christ in Colossians? (especially in ch. 1)•What does our position in Christ have to do with the way we live? (see ch. 3)•How is Colossians 4:1 developed further in Philemon?

PHILIPPIANS

Favorite verses in Philippians?

When and where did Paul write Philippians?

• Philippians was definitely a prison epistle.– “my imprisonment” (1:14)– “I am put here for the defense of the

gospel” (1:16)

• Philippians was almost certainly written from Rome.– “throughout the whole imperial guard”

(1:13)– “All the saints greet you, especially those of

Caesar’s house.” (4:22)

• When he wrote Philippians, it seems like Paul expected his imprisonment to be over shortly.– See 1:19-26

• So it seems like he wrote it near the end of his time in prison in Rome, placing it at about 61-62 AD. It was probably the last of the prison epistles, written after Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon.

Reflection: On the Prison Epistles

Who did Paul write Philippians

to?

• Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, and especially to its leaders (1:1)

• This was one of Paul’s favorite churches, because of the longstanding partnership they had. (1:3-5, 4:15)

• The church was founded through Paul’s ministry (Acts 16). He visited the city two more times prior to writing Philippians (

Why did Paul write Philippians?

Several Reasons:•To thank them for their gift (4:10-18)•To send Epaphroditus back to them (2:25-30)•To update them about his condition (1:12-26)•To encourage unity (2:1-2, 4:2)•To warn against false teachers (3:1-4:1)

What did Paul write about in Philippians?

Outline:1.Greetings (1:1-11)2.Paul’s Circumstances (1:12-26)3.Exhortations (1:27-2:18)

A. Stand firm (1:27-30)B. Be unified (2:1-4)C. Follow Christ’s example (2:5-11)D. Be lights in the darkness (2:12-18)

4.Companions (2:19-30)A. Timothy (2:19-24)B. Epaphroditus (2:25-30)

Outline:5.Warnings (3:1-4:1)

A. Against self-righteousness (3:1-17)B. Against unrighteousness (3:17-4:1)

6.Exhortations (4:2-9)A. For unity (4:2-3)B. For right living (4:4-9)

7.Closing Remarks (4:10-23)A. Thank you (4:10-20)B. Farewell (4:21-23)

What are some key concepts in

Philippians?

Joy / Rejoicing:

•These words are used 13 times in Philippians.

Christ’s Incarnation and Glorification:

•Philippians 2:5-11•What does it mean that Christ

“emptied himself”?•What was the name God gave to

Christ?

Tips for reading…

• Read slowly• Read prayerfully• Read multiple times if necessary• Ask questions• Don’t forget the steps: Observe-Interpret-Apply• Each day, write down something you learned, or

something that confused you, or something that encouraged you—just write down something.

• Persevere. Remember, Paul’s letters can be tough. If you’re confused, ask someone for help or look something up!