philippians

[petevito]

I would like to know more about the background and aplication on the book of Philippian and in what type of prison was Paul was in when he wrote it.

[Soldier4Christ]

There is much speculation about what prison Paul may have been in during the writing of the book of Philippians. All we can go on are assumptions as there is no definitive statements given in the Bible or in Roman records that give us this answer. Bible historians are split as to whether Paul was in a prison in Rome or a Roman prison in Ephesus at the time of this writing. Personally I am convinced that he was in Rome at the time of this writing because he speaks of the Palace Guard in PHP 1:12-14 and in verse 22 he speaks of the saints of Caesar's household that are near him. The most important thing that we can learn is rather the message that this book imparts rather than the history behind it.

The purpose that Paul wrote this letter was to thank the Phillippians for the gifts they had sent to him through Epaphroditus and to encourage them to stand fast in the Lord, to have joy in the knowledge and hope that we have in Jesus no matter what may befall us in this world, and how that even his trials he has gone through has been a glory to God and therefore a blessing to him.

[nChrist]

Brothers,

This hit me as unusual since I chose Philippians to study today. I chose Philippians because I wanted to study something joyful and positive. The Apostle Paul always had a special place in his heart for the people at Philippi. Paul gave thanks for the Philippians and prayed for them often, not just because they supported him during times of trial. Paul knew that they prayed for him in good times and bad, and they also supported his ministry. For the most part, Philippians is a letter of joy that the people are growing strong in CHRIST. The church at Philippi didn't have the trouble that most other churches of the time had, so Paul was happy about their potential into the future.

Philippians 1:1-6 ASV  Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:  2  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  3  I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you,  4  always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy,  5  for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now;  6  being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ:


The beginning of Philippians sets the tone of this letter, and it also explains why Paul is joyous when he thinks about the Saints at Philippi. As a contrast, Paul's letters to other churches many times involved improper or immoral conduct and rebukes. Corinthians would serve as a good example and contrast to Philippians. Corinth was a burden on Paul's heart rather than the joy from Philippi. Paul planted the churches and prayed that GOD would raise up members to continue when he left. Paul's prayers were answered at Philippi. This is why Philippians is a happy and uplifting Portion of Scripture to read. We have to remember that Paul suffered many things to Preach CHRIST, and Philippi was an example of why his suffering was worth it.

By the way, I agree with Pastor Roger for the same reasons he mentioned and more. I also agree with Pastor Roger about there being a much more important factor than Paul being in prison. Paul endured many beatings and times of imprisonment to Preach CHRIST, and one of Paul's greatest joys was people giving their hearts to CHRIST. Philippi was the first known church of what we would now call Europe, so it would be unique in more than just one way. Philippi was in ancient Macedonia - now Northern Greece. Paul and the congregation at Philippi had a lasting love, and the congregation sent him support numerous times. Paul needed the support, but their love and prayer is what he appreciated the most.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Philippians 2:5-11 ASV  Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  6  who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped,  7  but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;  8  and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.  9  Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name;  10  that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth,  11  and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.