Brief Summary:
Philippians can be called “Resources Through Suffering.” The book is about Christ in our life, Christ in our mind, Christ as our goal, Christ as our strength, and joy through suffering. It was written during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, about thirty years after Christ’s ascension and about ten years after Paul first preached at Philippi.
Paul was Nero’s prisoner, yet the epistle fairly shouts with triumph, the words “joy” and “rejoice” appearing frequently (Philippians 1:4, 18, 25, 26; 2:2, 28; Philippians 3:1, 4:1, 4, 10). Right Christian experience is the outworking, whatever our circumstances may be, of the life, nature, and mind of Christ living in us (Philippians 1:6, 11; 2:5, 13).
Philippians reaches its pinnacle at 2:5-11 with the glorious and profound declaration regarding the humiliation and exaltation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians may be divided as follows:
Introduction, 1:1-7
I. Christ the Christian’s Life: Rejoicing in Spite of Suffering, 1:8-30
II. Christ the Christian’s Pattern: Rejoicing in Lowly Service, 2:1-30
III. Christ the Object of the Christian’s Faith, Desire, and Expectation, 3:1-21
IV. Christ the Christian’s Strength: Rejoicing Through Anxiety, 4:1-9
Conclusion, 4:10-23
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The Book of Philippians Summary
Summary of the Book of Philippians – Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org
Context Summary
Philippians 1:3–11 is Paul’s expression of thanks and gratitude for the believers of Philippi. Not only have they been generous in their support of Paul, they have been faithful even when he was imprisoned. Paul claims to thank God for these Christians in all of his prayers. At the same time, Paul has high hopes that the church of Philippi will continue to mature and strengthen their relationship with Christ.
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“Philippians 1:6” Bibleref.com
What does Philippians 1:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philippians 1:6
6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Context Summary
Philippians 1:19–30 shows Paul reflecting on two competing desires. On one hand, a believer wants to serve God and bring others to Christ through their life. On the other hand, a Christian yearns to leave suffering behind—to be with God in eternity. Paul concludes that it’s better to live until God calls him home, so he can serve his fellow men. Paul also encourages the Philippians with his conviction that he will be released to see them again. His experiences, good or bad, are all adding to the glory of Jesus Christ.
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“Philippians 1:21” Bibleref.com
What does Philippians 1:21 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philippians 1:21
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Context Summary
Philippians 1:19–30 shows Paul reflecting on two competing desires. On one hand, a believer wants to serve God and bring others to Christ through their life. On the other hand, a Christian yearns to leave suffering behind—to be with God in eternity. Paul concludes that it’s better to live until God calls him home, so he can serve his fellow men. Paul also encourages the Philippians with his conviction that he will be released to see them again. His experiences, good or bad, are all adding to the glory of Jesus Christ.
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“Philippians 1:29” Bibleref.com
What does Philippians 1:29 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philippians 1:29
29 Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf,
Context Summary
Philippians 2:1–5 connects the blessings of Christianity with corresponding results in a Christian’s life. We experience comfort, encouragement, love, and unity as saved believers in Christ. As a result, we ought to express comfort, encouragement, love, and unity to our fellow believers. Here again, Paul emphasizes that how a Christian thinks—how they frame their attitude—is crucial to living a Christian life. This sets up a classic description of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, starting in verse 6.
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“Philippians 2:1” Bibleref.com
What does Philippians 2:1 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philippians 2:1
If therefore there is any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion,
Context Summary
Philippians 2:1–5 connects the blessings of Christianity with corresponding results in a Christian’s life. We experience comfort, encouragement, love, and unity as saved believers in Christ. As a result, we ought to express comfort, encouragement, love, and unity to our fellow believers. Here again, Paul emphasizes that how a Christian thinks—how they frame their attitude—is crucial to living a Christian life. This sets up a classic description of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, starting in verse 6.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philippians 2:1” Bibleref.com
What does Philippians 2:3 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philippians 2:1-4
If therefore there is any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, 2 make my joy full by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; 3 doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; 4 each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
Context Summary
Philippians 2:12–18 explains how Christians ought to live, considering all that Christ was willing to do for them. The command to ”work out” salvation is a directive to let the new birth in Christ translate into actions. As a part of this, believers should serve God without griping or complaining. Paul knows that his service to God has been hard, but this is simply another form of offering. All Christians are invited to serve in the same selfless way.
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“Philippians 2:13” Bibleref.com
What does Philippians 2:13 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philippians 2:13
13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.
Context Summary
Philippians 3:12—4:1 explains the proper attitude Christians ought to have on the process of ”sanctification.” This is the gradual, lifelong path of becoming more and more like Jesus. Our place in eternity is secure from the moment we trust in Christ, but it takes time to see our actions and attitudes change to be like His. Paul notes that he is not perfect, but encourages Christians to mimic his singular focus on pursuing Jesus. Paul also weeps for those who reject the gospel, a choice that will result in their destruction.
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“Philippians 3:13” Bibleref.com
What does Philippians 3:13 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philippians 3:13
13 Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,
Context Summary
Philippians 3:12—4:1 explains the proper attitude Christians ought to have on the process of ”sanctification.” This is the gradual, lifelong path of becoming more and more like Jesus. Our place in eternity is secure from the moment we trust in Christ, but it takes time to see our actions and attitudes change to be like His. Paul notes that he is not perfect, but encourages Christians to mimic his singular focus on pursuing Jesus. Paul also weeps for those who reject the gospel, a choice that will result in their destruction.
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“Philippians 3:14” Bibleref.com
What does Philippians 3:14 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philippians 3:13-14
13 Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Context Summary
Philippians 3:12—4:1 explains the proper attitude Christians ought to have on the process of ”sanctification.” This is the gradual, lifelong path of becoming more and more like Jesus. Our place in eternity is secure from the moment we trust in Christ, but it takes time to see our actions and attitudes change to be like His. Paul notes that he is not perfect, but encourages Christians to mimic his singular focus on pursuing Jesus. Paul also weeps for those who reject the gospel, a choice that will result in their destruction.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philippians 3:20” Bibleref.com
What does Philippians 3:20 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philippians 3:20
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
This verse ends the passage on a positive note. Saved believers can look forward to a time when every pain and problem with our earthly body will be exchanged for a new and improved body, one that will last forever with the Lord.
The power that will create our new bodies is unlimited. Paul’s description refers back to Philippians 2:6–11. At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess (Philippians 2:10–11). He is the name that is above every name (Philippians 2:9). Jesus is equal with God (Philippians 2:6) and all things are subject to Him. Paul reminds his readers that this perfect God, with a perfect resurrected body, certainly has the power to return and provide a glorified body to those who believe in Him. Believers can take comfort in their future, knowing God has the power to transform our bodies and keep us secure with Him in His coming kingdom.
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“Philippians 3:21” Bibleref.com
What does Philippians 3:21 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philippians 3:20-21
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.
Context Summary
Philippians 4:2–9 is Paul’s appeal to the Philippian Christians regarding how they handle disagreements within the church. Paul is particularly concerned with an argument between two women, Euodia and Syntyche. Paul’s advice is to focus on our ability to rejoice in our fellowship with Christ. The result of that emphasis ought to be an attitude of ”reasonableness,” seen by all people. With a proper focus on positive things, we can experience peace through the power of God.
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“Philippians 4:4” Bibleref.com
What does Philippians 4:4 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Context Summary
Philippians 4:2–9 is Paul’s appeal to the Philippian Christians regarding how they handle disagreements within the church. Paul is particularly concerned with an argument between two women, Euodia and Syntyche. Paul’s advice is to focus on our ability to rejoice in our fellowship with Christ. The result of that emphasis ought to be an attitude of ”reasonableness,” seen by all people. With a proper focus on positive things, we can experience peace through the power of God.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philippians 4:6” Bibleref.com
What does Philippians 4:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Context Summary
Philippians 4:2–9 is Paul’s appeal to the Philippian Christians regarding how they handle disagreements within the church. Paul is particularly concerned with an argument between two women, Euodia and Syntyche. Paul’s advice is to focus on our ability to rejoice in our fellowship with Christ. The result of that emphasis ought to be an attitude of ”reasonableness,” seen by all people. With a proper focus on positive things, we can experience peace through the power of God.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Philippians 4:7” Bibleref.com
What does Philippians 4:7 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Despite his frequent need, and harsh treatment, Paul joyfully declares his confidence that God will allow him to endure anything. Paul’s words reflected the Gospel teachings that nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37). Paul had declared elsewhere that if God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?
This perspective can also be found in the Old Testament. Jeremiah 32:17 notes that nothing is too hard for the Lord. Job 42:2 declares God can do anything. God’s closest followers have long known that with God, nothing is impossible, whether Abraham’s promised son Isaac, the people of Israel crossing the Red Sea, or the people entering the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. God provides on time, in His time, every time. Paul’s confidence can be found throughout his writings (2 Corinthians 3:4; 7:16; 8:22; 10:2; 11:17; Galatians 5:10; Ephesians 3:12; 2 Thessalonians 3:4).
This verse can, however, be taken out of context. Paul’s comment is specifically referring to the ability of a Christian to endure under hardship and persecution. Despite well-meaning use of the words, this text does not teach that a Christian is empowered to accomplish any task simply because they are saved.
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“Philippians 4:13” Bibleref.com
What does Philippians 4:13 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Context Summary
Philippians 4:10–20 describes how Christians can overcome worry and worldly desires, regardless of their circumstances. By making a purposeful decision to be content, a believer can trust God to provide our true needs, and not be consumed with materialism or anxiety. Paul has learned this skill through his many trials and ministry experiences. Paul also thanks the Philippians for their generosity, and expresses his confidence that God will bless them for it.
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“Philippians 4:19” Bibleref.com
What does Philippians 4:19 mean? | BibleRef.com
Philippians 4:19
19 My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
