The general consensus is that these epistles were written during Paul's imprisonment at Rome (cf. Introduction to NIV Study Bible | Go to Philippians. Pursue a deeper knowledge of God through self-paced college- and seminary-level online courses in Old and New Testament studies, theology, biblical Greek, and more. Secondly, what was Paul's purpose in writing Galatians? So another reason for this letter is to warn the believers against such teaching and to prevent them from submitting to circumcision because it had no spiritual value (3:1-2). From then on it remained a military stronghold with its citizens enjoying Roman citizenship and all the privileges that went with this. However he was converted on the road to Damascus while in the midst of persecuting Christians. Paul also wanted the believers to have an update on how things were going for him whilst he was in prison and the effect that was having on other believers and the cause of the gospel (1:12-26). writing. "You must agree to out terms of services and privacy policy", Don't use plagiarized sources. As Paul could not come to Philippi, he intended to send Timothy to represent him. If there was anyone in a position to know who wrote 1st and 2nd Timothy, it would have been the church father Polycarp. He specifically thanks the Philippians in his closing remarks: “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. The Romans later took over the city after Octavian’s battles again Brutus and Cassius and later with Anthony, in around 168 BC. Well, in many ways, Paul's epistle to the Philippians is like a letter to home from a soldier anticipating that he may soon die. And why did he write it to the Philippians? Purpose of Writing: The Epistle to the Philippians, one of Paul’s prison epistles, was written in Rome. Right now, save up to 77% on Word Biblical Commentary (WBC) eBooks that deliver biblical scholarship at its best. They look for ways to find comfort for themselves and to comfort loved ones back home. One of these proofs is his Letter to the Philippians. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. (Acts 16:14-15). All you need to do is fill out a short form and submit an order. Paul writes the letter to confirm that what the Philippians heard was true—Epaphroditus was sick—but also to assure them that their friend had recovered and would return to them soon. He encourages them in prayer, telling them to worry about nothing and pray about everything (4:6-7). He also points out that his imprisonment has caused others to be more confident in proclaiming Christ. Paul was first inspired, or felt called to go to Philippi after receiving a vision of a man from Macedonia begging him to come over and help them there.iii So on Pauls second Missionary Journey He travelled to Philippi. In Philippians 1:12-13, he writes, “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all therest that my imprisonment is for Christ.”At the conclusion of his letter, Paul provides another clue. It is clear that Paul is concerned about the believer’s welfare, and commends Timothy to them saying, ‘I have no-one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare’ (2:20). Writing from prison, Paul describes the joys of following Christ and persevering for the gospel, and the secret to being content in any situation. So part of the reason Paul wrote this letter was to say “I received your gift and I appreciate you.”. It is the general view that Paul was imprisoned in Rome and he tells the believers that the ‘whole palace guard’ know he is in chains for Christ. Why did Paul write to the Philippians? Additionally, the Philippian church supported Paul when he was imprisoned before (Acts 16). Paul also writes to explain why he is returning Epaphroditus to them. Paul also urges them to have the right quality of mind – thinking on those things that are good and positive and excellent (4:8). 67 2Timothy Paul, after completing his fifth and final missionary journey, … Paul teaches them not to put confidence in the flesh but to boast only in Christ Jesus (3:3). This verse is part of the letter that Paul wrote "To all God's holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi" (Phil. They reasoned that by cutting out or minimizing … William Barclay writes, ‘When Paul chose a place wherein to work and to preach the gospel, he always chose it with the eye of a strategist. There is no further appeal once … Paul met the Philippians on his second missionary journey, which we read about in Acts 16. Ac 28:16,30-31). Paul wrote the Philippians with several goals in mind. However Epaphroditus had fallen ill during his time with Paul, in fact had nearly died risking his life for the work of Christ. First, let's catalog Paul's imprisonments that we know of. After bringing Paul the gift from the church, Epaphroditus became very ill—Paul says he almost died (Philippians 2:27)—but then he recovered. He tells them of his prayers of thanksgiving for them (1:4). He … He told them to do ‘everything without grumbling’, so that they could become blameless and pure (2:15). Paul and Silas first visited Philippi in Greece during Paul's second missionary journey, which occurred between … The letter was written from Paul and Timothy (1:1). Epaphroditus also went above and beyond to help Paul with his work (Philippians 2:30). It is fair to note that the first Christians were Jews, and they saw the Covenant relationship with God as vital and also the importance of keeping loyal to the Mosaic Law. It was taken over by Philip of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great. I have in this essay outlined seven reasons that I can identify for his writing of this letter to the Philippian church. You may unsubscribe from these email communications at any time. This letter not only reveals the love and close fellowship he had with the believers in Philippi and they with him, but also his deep concern for their well-being and his protectiveness against those who would lead them astray by false teaching. When soldiers face the uncertainties of war, their minds often turn toward thoughts of death. As an "apostle to the Gentiles" (Rom. Philippi was an ancient and major city in Macedonia, Greece. Philemon received his letter via Onesimus who was the subject of the epistle. At any rate, it is psychologically more credible that Paul in writing an informal letter would make such a sudden transition, than that a later editor would fuse two separate writings at such an improbable juncture. He then then commends Timothy to the church saying how he has proved himself in the work of the gospel as a son proves himself to his Father (2:22). Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Saul of Tarsus was a great enemy of the church. Author: Philippians 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of Philippians as the apostle Paul, likely along with the help of Timothy. Thus he was encouraging them to follow his example and those others who lived as he did (3:17), Paul in writing this letter also seeks to quiet the discord and ‘grumblings’ (2:14) and the argument between Euodia and Syntyche (4:2). He always chose a place which was not only important in itself, but which was a key point of the whole area.’ii Philippi was such a place. He was the chosen instrument to explain the meaning of the two comings of Jesus Christ. Please check errors and resubmit. Philippians 4:8-9-Here is a last piece of advice (from Paul). If you have any questions, please review our. I have received full payment and have more than enough. Phillip of Macedonia established the city as a military stronghold in order to protect his surrounding lands which were rich in silver and gold. This would seem to indicate a later date for the writing of the letter. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214 USA) providing information about products and services of HCCP and its affiliates. Paul commended the believers for their preaching So one of the reasons Paul wrote was to thank them for their giving and support (1:3-8; 4:15-18). Paul asks the church in Philippi to help Euodia and Syntyche because they had worked for the cause of the Gospel with Paul. F. W. Beare regards the present epistle as a composite of three elements: a letter … He and his companions stayed in Philippi at a woman named Lydia’s house for several days (Acts 16:15), where he shared the gospel and encouraged his new brothers and sisters. He always began by preaching to the Jews, and secondly to the Gentiles. Paul commends him for the work he has done and that the church were to receive him back with joy and honour him and all others like him. Retrieved from https://graduateway.com/why-did-paul-write-to-the-philippians/, This is just a sample. Well, in many ways, Paul's epistle to the Philippians is like a letter to home from a soldier … In examining Paul’s reasons for writing to the Philippians it is important to place the letter within the context of when it was written and whom it was written. In 356 BCE, however, Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, took over the city and named it after himself. "We commend ourselves ... in beatings, imprisonmentsand riots...." (2 Corinthians 6:5) "I have ... been in prisonmore frequently...." (2 Corinthians 11:23a) Why does he talk about his imprisonments? Paul had spent enough time with the believers there to develop a close bond to them which is seen through his letter to them (1:3-5, 25-26; 4:1). His relations to the Philippians and Thessalonians were those of the deepest personal affection; there was no need of a formal introduction, especially in an Epistle which has so little of an official character … That's compared to other letters. Somehow, the Philippians heard Epaphroditus was sick (Philippians 2:26), but it sounds like they didn’t know he had also recovered. Why is Paul writing it What are the situations that he wants to address because that's gonna be certainly play out a lot in how the letter unfolds the language that he uses and I wanted. He makes t… Books and articles that equip you for deeply biblical thinking and ministry. In examining Paul’s reasons for writing to the Philippians it is important to place the letter within the context of when it was written and whom it was written. In his letter to the Philippian church written in about 110-120 AD, Polycarp quoted 1 Timothy 3:8, 6:7, 6:10 and 2 Timothy 2:12. The early church was unanimous in its testimony that Philippians was written by the apostle Paul (see1:1). He also mentions Paul by name four times in his letter, including some indications that he was familiar with the apostle’s martyrdom. St. Paul established the first Christian community at Philippi in Europe on his Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:40 - 18:22). In Philippians 1:13 Paul makes a reference to the “whole palace guard.” In Philippians 4:22 he refers to the saints of “Caesar’s household.” Finally, in 4:16 Paul states that the Philippians sent aid to Paul while he was in Thessalonica. He encourages the two women and the church to be of the same mind in the Lord, and to follow Christ’s example of humbleness and obedience (2:1-11; 4:2). Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon). we're gonna look at this next time, but I want you to look particularly at how he introduces himself. Get updates from Zondervan Academic directly in your inbox. He urges them to work together and not be afraid of those who opposed them (1:27-30). Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians By Kelly McDonald, Jr. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. In Philippians 3:1-4, Paul writes: Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! We know from the letter that the Philippians were facing a lot of hardship (and Paul wasn’t exactly living the high life himself). He can’t go visit the Philippians himself, but for all the reasons we’ve discussed, he still wants to communicate with them. Lynn H. Cohick's Philippians online course. Finally Paul encourages the Philippians to put everything they have learned or received from him into practice – saying that in doing so they would know the peace of God. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. This way they will become brighter witnesses in a ‘warped and crooked Generation’. The Epistle to the Philippians, commonly referred to as Philippians, is a Pauline epistle of the New Testament of the Christian Bible.The epistle is attributed to Paul the Apostle and a co-author named Timothy, and is addressed to the Christian church in Philippi. So another reason why Paul writes this letter is to maintain his relationship with this newly established church. He reinforced this teaching by using his own experience, ‘Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee, as for zeal, persecuting the church, as for righteousness based on the law, faultless’ (3:4b-6). The writings of Paul complete the New Testament. Get Your Custom Essay on, By clicking “Write my paper”, you agree to our, By clicking Send Me The Sample you agree on the, Paul’s Case: The Setting's Correlation to Paul's State of Mind, https://graduateway.com/why-did-paul-write-to-the-philippians/, Get your custom Paul wanted to teach the believers that it is not so much what you do, but the attitude you did it with. On the significance of these early patristic quotes, here’s Biblical scholar Kenneth Berding. Paul speaks of the real threat of his execution, which also seems to indicate that he is writing from Rome. Summary. So why did Paul write this letter? He had been sent by the church with gifts of support for Paul and to help him in his time of need. From these, the first church in Philippi was born. Date of Writing: The Book of Philippians was written in approximately A.D. 61. Why did Paul write to the Philippians. Why did Paul state that writing the same things was no trouble and why was it a safeguard to the Philippians? Landscape of the Book of Philippians. The safeguard is seen as necessary by reading the next few verses. Paul had as Francis Foulkes writes, ‘he had come to see them as a false basis of confidence and even a hindrance to him. Their gift not only ministered to a missionary’s needs but brought pleasure to God, like some of the fragrant sacrifices of the Old Covenant (4:18). If you have some time and you wanna do some homework look at other Paul… 4:9). The early church was unanimous in its testimony that Philippians was written by the Because his adversaries haven't suffered at all for the fai… Sorry, but copying text is forbidden on this website. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no … By the time Paul wrote 2 Corinthians in 56 AD, he already had been imprisoned a number of times -- even prior to imprisonments in Jerusalem, Caesarea, and Rome. He became the Apostle Paul - the greatest missionary the church has ever seen. (2:23-24). Pauls first stop in Philippi was to the ‘place of prayer’ by the river where the Jewish people generally met(16:13).There he met a woman called Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, who it would seem became their first convert along with her household. This passage about the downward and … He thanked God and commended them for their partnership and work in proclaiming the Gospel (1: 3-4; ) More than the other churches Paul had founded, Philippi offered Paul material and spiritual support for his ministry (2 Cor 8:11; Phil 4:15-18). Finally, Paul’s letter was one of encouragement to stand firm in the one Spirit and live a life worthy of the Gospel. (2:25-30). Though he welcomes death for Jesus' sake, he is equally concerned to continue his apostolate. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” —Philippians 4:14–18, (Right after this, Paul encourages the Philippians that God will bless them for their troubles.). Phillip of Macedonia established the city as a military stronghold in order to protect his … This was called the Egnatian Way which was on the great north east-west highway. He can’t go visit the Philippians himself, but for all the reasons we’ve discussed, he still wants to communicate with them. He didn't want them to think going over the same things was a burden to him; and in a subtle way, is saying it should be no trouble for the Philippians to hear the same things. Internally the letter reveals the stamp of genuineness. So on a basic level, Paul is writing this letter because it’s the only way he can talk to the church in Philippi and let them know he’s OK. There appears to be several reasons why Paul wrote to the church in Philippi. If you believe in goodness and if you value the approval of God, fix your minds on the things which are holy and right and pure and beautiful and good. TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING: Philippians is one of Paul's four "prison epistles" (1:7,13,17; cf. So on a basic level, Paul is writing this letter because it’s the only way he can talk to the church in Philippi and let them know he’s OK. Church was unanimous in its testimony that Philippians was written from Paul Timothy! 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