The book of Philippians is one of the Apostle Paul’s prison epistles, written around AD 60-62 while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. The church at Philippi was one of Paul’s most beloved churches that he helped establish during his second missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40).
Paul wrote this letter to thank the Philippian church for their love, kindness and financial support. He also wanted to encourage them to live in unity and joy, and to warn them about false teachers who were promoting the need for Christians to be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses.
Here is a brief summary of each chapter in Philippians:
Chapter 1
Paul opens his letter to the Philippians by telling them how thankful he is for their partnership in the gospel and their faithfulness in serving Christ (Philippians 1:3-11). Even though Paul is in prison, he rejoices because Christ is still being preached (Philippians 1:12-18). Paul longs for the Philippians to continue growing in their knowledge and discernment, so they can choose what is best and be pure and blameless for the day of Christ (Philippians 1:9-11). Paul’s deepest desire is that Christ would be exalted and magnified, whether by his life or death (Philippians 1:19-26). He encourages the Philippians to stand firm in one spirit and contend together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened by opponents (Philippians 1:27-30).
Chapter 2
Paul pleads with the Philippians to be unified, humble, selfless and look out for the interests of others just as Christ exemplified perfect servanthood and humility (Philippians 2:1-11). The Philippians should shine as lights in the world by holding firmly to the word of life as Paul has taught them (Philippians 2:12-18). Paul plans to send Timothy to visit the Philippians soon, and he hopes to come himself once he is released from prison. Epaphroditus had been sent by the Philippians to minister to Paul, but became extremely ill. Now that he has recovered, Paul is sending him back to Philippi (Philippians 2:19-30).
Chapter 3
Paul warns the Philippians to beware of false teachers who boast in the flesh and put confidence in human effort. Paul had every reason to boast in his achievements as a dedicated Pharisee, yet he counts all his accomplishments as rubbish compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:1-11). Paul presses on to lay hold of that for which Christ laid hold of him, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to the upward call of God in Christ (Philippians 3:12-16). Citizens of heaven should set their minds on heavenly realities, not earthly things (Philippians 3:17-21).
Chapter 4
Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord and calls the church to rejoice always, be gentle, pray about everything, and meditate on noble virtues (Philippians 4:1-9). He thanks the Philippians for generously providing for his needs (Philippians 4:10-20). Additional greetings are sent from Paul’s companions, and he ends the letter with a benediction of grace (Philippians 4:21-23).
Here is a more in-depth look at some of the major themes in Philippians:
Joy and Rejoicing
A key theme in Philippians is having joy in the Lord. Paul mentions joy, rejoice or rejoicing over 16 times in this short letter! Despite being imprisoned, Paul overflows with joy because Christ is being preached (Philippians 1:12-18). He encourages the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 3:1, 4:4). Even in the midst of suffering and trials, those who have the mind of Christ can experience profound joy and contentment in Him.
Unity and Humility
Paul repeatedly emphasizes the importance of unity, harmony and humility in the church at Philippi. He pleads for them to be “of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2). Believers should not act out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility count others more significant than themselves (Philippians 2:3). As they look out for the interests of others, their attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who humbled himself by taking on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8). Maintaining unity through humility was key for the church to shine as lights in the midst of a crooked generation (Philippians 2:14-15).
Living as Citizens of Heaven
Paul reminds the Philippians that followers of Christ are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). Because their citizenship is in heaven, believers should set their minds on things above rather than earthly things, and serve God wholeheartedly while awaiting their Savior’s return (Philippians 3:19-21). Paul writes that he presses on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called him heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). Though we live on earth, we must keep an eternal, heavenly perspective.
Rejoice in the Lord
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). This command sums up a major theme of Philippians. The Philippians are exhorted to rejoice, regardless of circumstances, because of their relationship with Christ. Paul could rejoice even in prison because he knew Christ was being preached (Philippians 1:12-18). Despite trials or persecution, the Lord is near (Philippians 4:5). A spirit of rejoicing comes from focusing on God’s blessings rather than human difficulties.
Think on Excellent Things
Paul instructs the Philippians to think about “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable” (Philippians 4:8). Believers should meditate on things that are excellent, worthy of praise, morally upright, and spiritually pure. Dwelling on righteous virtues develops moral excellence and Christlike character.
Contentment in Christ
While in prison, Paul learned to be content in any circumstance through the strength of Christ (Philippians 4:11-13). The Philippians also showed their contentment by learning to accept poverty or abundance (Philippians 4:11-12). Paul was grateful for their gifts, not because he desired more, but because their giving reflected their devotion to God (Philippians 4:10-20). True contentment comes from seeking satisfaction in Christ rather than chasing worldly comforts.
Standing Firm Against False Teachers
Paul cautioned the Philippians to watch out for false teachers seeking to add works and rituals as requirements for salvation. He warned them to “beware of dogs, beware of evildoers, beware of the mutilation” – referring to Jews who claimed Christians must be circumcised to be saved (Philippians 3:2). Paul calls these false teachers evil workmen and says their minds are set on earthly things, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame (Philippians 3:18-19). Believers should stand firm in the true gospel of grace.
Imitating Christ’s Humility
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who…made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:5-7). The Philippians are exhorted to have the same servant mindset as Jesus Christ. Though equal with God, Christ humbled himself to serve mankind by dying on the cross. Believers are called to follow Christ’s model of humble servanthood, considering others’ needs before their own.
Partnership in the Gospel
Paul thanked the Philippians for their faithful partnership and support of his ministry, which he calls their “sharing in the gospel” (Philippians 1:5). Their gifts and concern for Paul’s imprisonment encouraged him that the gospel was advancing (Philippians 1:12). They had supported Paul financially many times, sending gifts even when they were in need themselves (Philippians 4:14-16). Partnership through giving enables believers to share in the eternal rewards of spreading the good news.
Pressing Toward the Goal
“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Though he persecuted the church in ignorance, Paul did not dwell on the past. He pressed on, keeping his eyes fixed on pursuing Christ and finishing the race. Believers should not let past failures define them, but strain forward to fulfill God’s calling.
The Mind of Christ
Paul exhorts the Philippians, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5 KJV). Believers are called to have the same attitude, way of thinking, outlook, and disposition as Christ Himself. This Christlike mindset displays itself in humility, selflessness, servanthood, and obedience. As we become more Christlike in our inner person, our outward actions will follow accordingly.
Rejoice in the Lord
This repeated command and theme in Philippians captures the heart of the letter. Despite difficult circumstances, believers can overflow with joy in Christ. By focusing on Jesus rather than temporary trials, we gain heavenly perspective. Even in sorrow or want, we can rejoice in what we have in Christ – salvation, eternal life, purpose. As we rejoice in Him, the peace of God guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:4-7).
Prayer and Thanksgiving
Paul urges the Philippians, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Believers should turn to God in prayer rather than be worried or anxious. Thanksgiving reminds us of blessings received and expresses trust in God’s faithfulness. With grateful hearts, we can make our requests and petitions known to the God of peace.
Knowing Christ
Paul counted everything as loss “because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). Above any human privilege or achievement, Paul earnestly desired deeper knowledge of Christ. He pressed on to take hold of Christ, who had taken hold of him. Intimately knowing Jesus was Paul’s supreme goal in life. This spiritual knowledge comes through God-given revelation and understanding of His Word.
Shining as Lights
Paul encouraged the Philippians to “shine as lights in the world” by holding fast to the word of life (Philippians 2:15-16). As believers live godly, blameless lives founded on Scripture, they give spiritual light in a dark world. Though surrounded by crooked and twisted ways, the church must stand firm, united in a pure witness that brings honor to the gospel. Their steadfast faith makes believers children of God in a perverse generation.
The Mind Set on Heaven
“Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). This key verse reminds believers that heaven, not earth, is our true home. Though we live in the world, we belong to Christ’s kingdom. The values and pursuits of earth should not consume us. Our minds and affections should be set on things above, where Christ is seated at God’s right hand (Colossians 3:1-2). We eagerly await our Savior who will transform us into His likeness in the world to come (1 John 3:2).
Serving Wholeheartedly
Paul instructs the Philippians to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, “not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Philippians 3:13-14). Service done merely for outward show lacks true devotion. As bondservants of Christ, believers are called to obey God’s will with sincere motives, not to impress people. Single-hearted service comes from dedicating everything we do to the Lord out of reverent fear and love.
The Gospel Advancing
Though imprisoned for preaching Christ, Paul saw even his chains advancing the gospel, as the whole palace guard heard the good news (Philippians 1:12-14). His imprisonment also emboldened other believers to share the word fearlessly (Philippians 1:14). Paul’s passion was for Christ to be exalted and magnified through Paul’s life or death (Philippians 1:20-21). No matter the circumstance, the unstoppable gospel continues to go forth for God’s glory.
In summary, Philippians provides rich, practical instruction on having joy, humility, unity, heavenly focus, and passion for Christ in the midst of any trial or affliction. Paul points believers to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord. By abiding in Christ moment by moment, we can press on toward the upward call of God with rejoicing and thanksgiving.