The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians

Chapter 1

Greetings and Thanksgiving

• Paul and Timotheus (Timothy) address the saints, bishops, and deacons in Philippi.
• Extend grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ.
• Paul thanks God every time he remembers them.
• Constantly prays for their joy and fellowship in the gospel.

Confidence in God's Work

• Confidence that God, who began a good work in them, will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.
• Paul holds them in his heart, sharing in his grace and defending the gospel.
• Prays for their love to abound more in knowledge and judgment.

Progress of the Gospel

• Paul's imprisonment has advanced the gospel.
• His bonds are known throughout the palace and beyond.
• Encourages others to speak the word boldly.
• Some preach with good intentions, others with envy and strife, but Christ is preached regardless.

Life and Death

• Paul is confident in his salvation through their prayers and the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
• To live is Christ, to die is gain.
• Struggles between the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better, and the need to remain for their sake.
• Encourages them to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, united in spirit and purpose.
• They are granted not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for Him.

Chapter 2

Unity and Humility

• Encourages consolation in Christ, comfort of love, fellowship of the Spirit, and mercy.
• Urges them to be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord and one mind.
• Do nothing out of selfish ambition; value others above themselves.
• Look out for the interests of others.

Example of Christ

• Christ, though in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his advantage.
• Emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross.
• God exalted Him and gave Him a name above every name; every knee should bow and every tongue confess Jesus is Lord.

Instructions for the Philippians

• Obey not only in Paul's presence but much more in his absence.
• Work out their salvation with fear and trembling; God works in them to will and act according to His good purpose.
• Do everything without grumbling or arguing to become blameless and pure.
• Shine as lights in a crooked and perverse generation.

Paul's Plans and Epaphroditus

• Paul plans to send Timothy to them soon for encouragement.
• Timothy has proven character, caring for their interests genuinely.
• Paul hopes to visit them shortly.
• Sends Epaphroditus, who was sick almost to death, but God had mercy on him.
• Receive him with joy and honor men like him who risked their lives for the work of Christ.

Chapter 3

Warnings and Example of Paul

• Rejoice in the Lord; beware of evil workers and those who mutilate the flesh.
• True circumcision worships God in the Spirit and boasts in Christ Jesus, not in the flesh.

Paul's Credentials and Humility

• Lists his credentials (circumcised on the eighth day, of Israel, of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee, zealous, blameless in the law).
• Considers it all loss for the sake of Christ.
• Desires to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, sharing in His sufferings.

Pressing On Toward the Goal

• Presses on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called him heavenward in Christ Jesus.
• Encourages them to follow his example and be united in this mindset.
• Warns against those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
• Their citizenship is in heaven, awaiting the Savior, Jesus Christ, who will transform their bodies.

Chapter 4

Exhortations and Encouragements

• Stand firm in the Lord.
• Pleads for Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
• Rejoice in the Lord always; let gentleness be evident.
• Do not be anxious; present requests to God with thanksgiving.
• God's peace will guard their hearts and minds.

Final Thoughts

• Think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
• Practice what they have learned from Paul.
• Paul expresses contentment in all situations through Christ who strengthens him.

Philippians' Generosity

• Commends the Philippians for their support and generosity.
• Their gifts are a fragrant offering, acceptable and pleasing to God.
• God's promise to meet all their needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Closing Greetings

• Final greetings to all the saints in Christ Jesus.
• Greetings from those with Paul, especially those from Caesar's household.
• Benediction: Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with their spirit.