Model your conduct on what you have learned from me (Paul), on what I have told you and shown you, and you will find the God of peace will be with you. Unlike Galatians and Colossians Paul did not write in response to any crisis, but wrote to express his love and appreciation to the believers in the church there. 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. Epaphroditus also went above and beyond to help Paul with his work (Philippians 2:30). If such is truly the case, then Paul wrote Philippians around 61-63 A.D. from Rome. Why did Paul state that writing the same things was no trouble and why was it a safeguard to the Philippians? In 356 BCE, however, Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, took over the city and named it after himself. I have received full payment and have more than enough. You may unsubscribe from these email communications at any time. In it, he affirmed… (Acts 16:14-15). Why did Paul write to the Philippians. The Romans later took over the city after Octavian’s battles again Brutus and Cassius and later with Anthony, in around 168 BC. 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. 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. The Letter of Paul to the Philippians - Φιλιππησίους - is one of his 5 Captivity Letters, along with Ephesians (which precedes it), Colossians (which follows it), Second Timothy, and Philemon in the New Testament of the Bible. 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. From then on it remained a military stronghold with its citizens enjoying Roman citizenship and all the privileges that went with this. our expert writers, Please indicate where to send you the sample, Hi, my name is Jenn Paul’s reference to Thessalonica is s big support for this. In case you can’t find a sample example, our professional writers are ready to help you with writing Paul wrote Philippians at a time when … Right now, save up to 77% on Word Biblical Commentary (WBC) eBooks that deliver biblical scholarship at its best. 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 … The sense of Pauls pastoral care is seen throughout this letter. He can’t go visit the Philippians himself, but for all the reasons we’ve discussed, he still wants to communicate with them. In Philippians 3:1-4, Paul writes: Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! Because his adversaries haven't suffered at all for the fai… 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. 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). If you have any questions, please review our. 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. Phillip of Macedonia established the city as a military stronghold in order to protect his … He encourages them in prayer, telling them to worry about nothing and pray about everything (4:6-7). If there was anyone in a position to know who wrote 1st and 2nd Timothy, it would have been the church father Polycarp. First he tells them to ‘stand firm in the Lord’, then to ‘agree in the Lord’, and now he tells them to ‘rejoice in the Lord’.v Paul knew that to rejoice in the Lord then would reflect the quality of life in Christ and would permeate the rest of their life and behaviour. Often they write letters of thanks and advice, encouraging their loved ones to carry on bravely and to live in ways that will bring them honor. Paul does not assume his official title in writing to the Macedonian Churches, Philippi and Thessalonica; it is used in all his other Epistles, except the short letter to Philemon. He told them to do ‘everything without grumbling’, so that they could become blameless and pure (2:15). Finally, Paul’s letter was one of encouragement to stand firm in the one Spirit and live a life worthy of the Gospel. And why did he write it to the Philippians? Paul and Silas first visited Philippi in Greece during Paul's second missionary journey, which occurred between … Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon). 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). Paul met the Philippians on his second missionary journey, which we read about in Acts 16. This passage about the downward and … As an "apostle to the Gentiles" (Rom. He … In fact, its beginnings go back to the fourth century BCE when it was occupied by the Thracians. It is quite like Paul that this turbulent outburst leads gradually to a calm conclusion. St. Paul established the first Christian community at Philippi in Europe on his Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:40 - 18:22). It was also an important land route ,for travellers from Europe to Asia. "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? They look for ways to find comfort for themselves and to comfort loved ones back home. (2016, Aug 19). Philemon received his letter via Onesimus who was the subject of the epistle. We know from the letter that the Philippians were facing a lot of hardship (and Paul wasn’t exactly living the high life himself). Philippians 4:8-9-Here is a last piece of advice (from Paul). Phillip of Macedonia established the city as a military stronghold in order to protect his surrounding lands which were rich in silver and gold. (2:25-30). Copyright © 2020 HarperCollins Publishers. 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. Ac 28:16,30-31). Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 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. So in conclusion, Paul’s letter was a positive one, written to a church he loved and felt close to. Learn more in Lynn H. Cohick's Philippians online course. Paul displays heartfelt gratitude to the Philippians, whom he regards as nothing less than his joy and crown. 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). 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. 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 had as Francis Foulkes writes, ‘he had come to see them as a false basis of confidence and even a hindrance to him. The general consensus is that these epistles were written during Paul's imprisonment at Rome (cf. For Instructors and School Administrators. Summary. Paul also writes to explain why he is returning Epaphroditus to them. Saul of Tarsus was a great enemy of the church. This verse is part of the letter that Paul wrote "To all God's holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi" (Phil. Writing from prison, Paul describes the joys of following Christ and persevering for the gospel, and the secret to being content in any situation. Paul wrote the Philippians with several goals in mind. In this city women enjoyed a higher status than was generally seen elsewhere, taking part in public life and business activities. 67 2Timothy Paul, after completing his fifth and final missionary journey, … All Rights Reserved. He also mentions Paul by name four times in his letter, including some indications that he was familiar with the apostle’s martyrdom. There is no further appeal once … He never ceased to be delighted at the joy they gave him. He makes t… Lynn H. Cohick's Philippians online course. Additionally, the Philippian church supported Paul when he was imprisoned before (Acts 16). 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 did Paul write to the Philippians? writing. Their gift was an act of worship. The early church was unanimous in its testimony that Philippians was written by the apostle Paul (see1:1). From these, the first church in Philippi was born. It was taken over by Philip of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great. Secondly, what was Paul's purpose in writing Galatians? “Now Paul was sending Epaphroditus back with this letter. Purpose of Writing: The Epistle to the Philippians, one of Paul’s prison epistles, was written in Rome. 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.). 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. They had sent him a financial gift through a man named Epaphroditus. F. W. Beare regards the present epistle as a composite of three elements: a letter … It would seem that Paul visited Philippi three times (acts 16:12; 20:1-2 and 20:6). Though he welcomes death for Jesus' sake, he is equally concerned to continue his apostolate. we're gonna look at this next time, but I want you to look particularly at how he introduces himself. Philippians was sent to Philippi by Epaphroditus. 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. They also experienced prison because Paul had cast an evil Spirit out of a slave girl, whose owners accused him and Silas of inciting unrest and ‘advocating customs unlawful to us Romans.’ (Acts 16:1-24). However he was converted on the road to Damascus while in the midst of persecuting Christians. PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE: The church at Philippi … TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING: Philippians is one of Paul's four "prison epistles" (1:7,13,17; cf. Retrieved from https://graduateway.com/why-did-paul-write-to-the-philippians/, This is just a sample. 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. 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. 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. 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. He tells them of his prayers of thanksgiving for them (1:4). For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no … Paul also urges them to have the right quality of mind – thinking on those things that are good and positive and excellent (4:8). The letter to the Philippians has been categorized as a letter of friendship, or a family letter, but might more … Paul’s opponents were a group of Judaizers who taught that the new Gentile Christians must be circumcised and keep the Mosaic Law if they were truly to be a part of God’s Covenant people. All you need to do is fill out a short form and submit an order. 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. The writings of Paul complete the New Testament. 4:9). A Roman colony, Philippi was situated in Macedonia, or current-day Northern Greece. He specifically thanks the Philippians in his closing remarks: “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. He was the chosen instrument to explain the meaning of the two comings of Jesus Christ. 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. Your form could not be submitted. Paul speaks of the real threat of his execution, which also seems to indicate that he is writing from Rome. 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. As Paul could not come to Philippi, he intended to send Timothy to represent him. 2. 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). Often, they write letters of thanks and advice, encouraging their loved ones to carry on bravely, and to live in ways that will bring them honor. By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy, The input space is limited by 250 symbols. Paul … However, because Paul mentions the “whole Praetorian guard” (Phil 1:13) and “Caesar’s household” (Phil 4:22) in his letter to the Philippians, it seems likely that Paul wrote this letter towards the end of his imprisonment in Rome. After bringing Paul the gift from the church, Epaphroditus became very ill—Paul says he almost died (Philippians 2:27)—but then he recovered. Philippi was an ancient and major city in Macedonia, Greece. Paul is either writing from a prison cell, or while under house arrest in Rome (Philippians 1:13). The big one being, we are sure an imprisonment in Rome occurred. He also points out that his imprisonment has caused others to be more confident in proclaiming Christ. Please check errors and resubmit. 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 is either writing from a prison cell, or while under house arrest in Rome (Philippians 1:13). It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Between 110 and 140 AD, Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna wrote a letter to the Philippians. The safeguard is seen as necessary by reading the next few verses. Paul emphasises that he counts all this, his pedigree as a Jew, as worthless for the sake of knowing Christ. In Philippians, Paul is offering a much more colourful and poetic version of the gospel which he had received and passed on to the Corinthians, namely that ‘Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures’ (1 Corinthians 15:3-5). Enhance your school’s traditional and online education programs by easily integrating online courses developed from the scholars and textbooks you trust. Essay, Use multiple resourses when assembling your essay, Get help form professional writers when not sure you can do it yourself, Use Plagiarism Checker to double check your essay, Do not copy and paste free to download essays. Paul asks the church in Philippi to help Euodia and Syntyche because they had worked for the cause of the Gospel with Paul. Landscape of the Book of Philippians. 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