Philippians Images and
NotesThe Book of Philippians
Philippians 1:21 - For to me to live is Christ, and to die
is gain.
Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I
say, Rejoice.
Philippians in The New Testament - A Brief Overview
Painting of Paul the Apostle by Rembrandt - 1657
Introduction to The
Book of Philippians
Brief Summary. Paul had been imprisoned at Rome sends
the church at Philippi a love letter of thanks, commending them
for their liberal giving. His attitude shows all Christians to
rejoice in every situation even suffering, for Jesus Christ is
our example and our prize.
Summary of The Book of Philippians
Purpose. One of the obvious reasons that Paul wrote his
letter to the Philippians was to thank them for their generous
offering. He also wanted to commend the unselfishness of Epaphroditus,
as well as informing them of his love for them, and his own
personal condition. He wanted to make them aware that Timothy
would soon be visiting them, and that Epaphroditus would be
returning to them (Philippians 2:19-20). Paul also warned them
that they would be suffering for the gospel of Christ
(Philippians 1:29, 30), and that they should be aware and
guarded against false doctrines creeping into the church
(Philippians 3:1 ff). Paul's joy, and love for them clearly
shows through in this letter.
Philippi. The city of Philippi was a Roman colony and the
chief city of Macedonia (Acts 16:12). Philippi was originally
named after Philip of Macedon. the people that live there were
Roman citizens, receiving all the favor of Rome. There were very
few Jews in Philippi, and no synagogue with a "place for prayer"
by the river (Acts 16). Paul established the church in Philippi
while he was on his second missionary journey, just after he had
been in Troas and received the "Macedonian call" (Acts 16).
The Church of Philippi was the first church to be established in
Europe, and it had a reputation of being very generous in their
support of Paul's work (2 Corinthians 8; Philippians 4:15-19). a
half-century later Polycarp commended the church in Philippi for
their devotion.
Authorship. Paul was the author of Philippians, he
names himself and his style and personality shows through.
Date. Philippians was written from Rome during Paul's
first imprisonment, about 62 AD.
Outline of the Book of Philippians
Jesus Christ is Our Life - Chapter 1
Jesus Christ is Our Example - Chapters 2
Jesus Christ is Our Prize - Chapter 3
Jesus Christ is Our Peace - Chapter 4
The Name Jesus In Ancient Hebrew Text
"Yeshua" in First Century Hebrew Text. This is how the name "Jesus"
would have been written in ancient Hebrew documents. The four letters or
consonants from right to left are Yod, Shin, Vav, Ayin (Y, SH, OO, A).
Jesus is the Greek name for the Hebrew name Joshua or Y'shua which means
"The LORD or Yahweh is Salvation".
Philippians Maps and Resources
Map of the Roman Empire (14 A.D.) - This map reveals the
Roman Empire during the time shortly after the birth of Jesus,
in 14 AD at the time of the death of Augustus. The order which
prevailed in this extensive empire, the good military roads, and
the use of Koine Greek as the general language of culture
throughout the area were among the factors which multiplied the
rapid spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Color Map)
Map of Paul's First Missionary Journey (48 A.D.) - This map
reveals the areas in Asia Minor where Paul visited in his first
missionary journey. Around 48 AD, in the springtime, Paul and
his companions Barnabas and Mark were sent on a mission from the
church in Antioch. This would be the first of Paul's Missionary
Journey's. (Color Map)
Map of Paul's Second Missionary Journey (51 A.D.) - This map
reveals the areas in Asia and Greece where Paul visited in his
second missionary journey. Paul re-visits a couple cities in
Asia, one of which was Lystra where he was stoned and left for
dead a few years earlier. He later has a vision that leads him
over to Greece and Paul and his companions travel and minister
in various cities in Greece (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea,
Athens and Corinth. Later Paul returns to Ephesus and finally to
Caesarea and Antioch. (Color Map)
Map of Paul's Third Missionary Journey (54 A.D.) - This map
reveals the areas in Asia and Greece where Paul visited in his
third missionary journey. On Paul's third missionary journey he
returned to the cities he had first visited on his first
missionary journey. During this time he decided to remain in
Ephesus for about 3 years, and this city was the main focus of
his activities and an important Christian community (Acts 19).
(Color Map)
Map of the New Testament World - This map reveals the
"Nations" within the ancient world during the first century
A.D., the time of the New Testament. The map includes the areas
of Israel, Asia, Greece, and Italy. (Color Map)
Map of New Testament Asia - This map shows the cities within
Asia Minor during the first century A.D., the time of the New
Testament. The map includes the principal cities of Asia
including Tarsus, Ephesus, and Colossae, and provinces like
Galatia and Pamphilia. (Color Map)
