A Study in Philippians
Chapter 1
Most likely Philippians was written by Paul when he was a prisoner of Rome in A.D. 62. Paul was severely flogged and throw into prison and put their feet in stocks Acts 16:23-24. Lydia was converted in Philippi Acts 16:14. The church was founded while Paul was on his second missionary journey. Paul’s tone is very affectionate as he lets the church know of his prayers for them vs.4 and thankfulness for their partnership in the gospel.
The word participation in vs.5 is koinonia- fellowship, association, community, joint participation. The
word gospel is evangelion – good tidings of salvation through Christ. Paul sees the churches as partners
with him in his work. The church is not the building, but the people of God. Just as it says in 1 Peter 2:9-10:
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Vs.1 Paul refers to himself as a “bond servant” or slave (Douloi) of Christ Jesus. He understood
something that was important, that he had been bought with a price see 1 Corinthians 6:20. The author and perfecter of our faith is our owner.
Vs.2- peace is the word Eirene- the restored fellowship between God and man. In Paul’s introductions
Grace always comes before peace. There is no peace without God’s grace.
Vs.3- Paul has fond remembrances of the people of Philippians. Remembrance is the word mneiamemory,
mention.
Vs.4- Paul continues to remember them as he does with all of the church he founded. He prays or
deesis- need, seeking, asking, entreating. As he will say in Philippians 4:6 he brings all of his needs and
concerns to God in prayer, even if he doesn’t mention all of them here. What is remarkable is that Paul
doesn’t complain about his situation even though it was far worse than most of us can imagine.
Vs.6- will perfect it is the word epiteleo- to bring to an end, accomplish, perfect, execute, complete.
Vs.8 Affection- the fondness of Paul for these believers is clear throughout this letter. They are 4:1
beloved brethren. Paul prays for them that their love would grow with knowledge and insight- so that
they would discern what is best and may be pure and blameless filled with the fruit of righteousness
which comes from Jesus.
Vs.9 insight is the word aesthesis- perception, cognition, discernment
Vs.9 “may abound” perisseuo- a thing which comes in abundance, to overflow, to be over, to make
abound.
Vs.10- blameless- aproskopos- not causing to stumble, not striking against or stumbling.
He mentions the day of Christ in verses 6,10.
The Philiippian church was generous in giving to Paul Phil 4:10-16, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
The key thought in Philippians is joy. Some form of the word occurs 19 times
Philippians 1:12-21
Vs 12- Progress (prokope) advancement
Asa result of his imprisonment the entire Praetorian (imperial) guard learned of Christ and the church
had become more bold in their witness. Paul addressed the receipients of this letter 6 times as
brethren. Some responded to Paul’s chains by preaching Christ out of selfish ambition and some out of
good will. Paul’s reaction was to rejoice regardless of the reason why they preached.
Verse. 15 envy (phthonos) envy, prompted by envy
Vs. 15- good will- eudokia- will, choice, delight, pleasure, satisfaction.
Vs.16- defense- apologia- verbal defence, a reasoned statement or argument.
Vs.19- deliverance- soteria- deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation. Paul knew that he was
delivered from prison due to the prayers of the saints.
Vs.20- “be exalted” megalyno- magnify or enlarge to deem or declare great.
Revelations 5:13- every creature in heaven and on earth and the dead will give praise, honor and glory
and power to the Lord.
Vs.21- Paul says to live is Christ. He say also in Galatians 2:20 he has been crucified with Christ and
Christ lives in Him. He lives by faith in Christ. Christ is the one who loves him and gave himself for him.
Philippians 1:22-26
Vs.22- will mean fruitful (karpos) that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result, work,
advantage, profit
Vs.23 “I am hard pressed” (synecho) to hold together, to compress, to press on every side. Also in verse
23 “depart” (analyo) to unloose, to depart, break up, to depart from life. Paul was saying that it is more
beneficial to them that he remain. He believes then verse 25 that he will remain and then see them
again. This shows us that to be dead is to be immediately with Christ Luke 23:43, 2 Corinthians 5:8
Philippians 1:27-30
Matthew Henry says here that Paul gives them 2 exhortations:
1. He exhorts them to strictness of conversation James 5:8
2. He exhorts them to courage and constancy in suffering. They are to be striving together with
one mind.
Vs.27 “conduct yourselves” politeuomai- to be a citizen, to behave as a citizen, used here and also in
Acts 23:1. There is a sense in which we are citizens of the kingdom of God. Daniel described it as the
kingdom that would crush all other kingdoms and last forever. Daniel 2:44
Vs.29- Paul says they not only have the gift to believe in Him, but also to suffer for the sake of Christ
Matthew 5:11,12, 2 Timothy 2:12. The word “suffer” is pascho to be affected or have been affected said
of Jesus sufferings in Matthew 16:21, Mk 8:31, Luke 9:22 and 17:25.
Vs.30- conflict- (agon) any struggle or contest, battle. They are to take a firm stand (steko) join in
combat (synathleo) and not be frightened (ptyreomai) in unity.
These are my personal study notes. References to the original language were taken from
www.blueletterbible.org which is a wonderful resource for study.
I also used the commentaries from that site. Also used the commentary from J. Vernon McGee
“Philippians and Colossians” in the thru the Bible commentary services, 1991.
