JOSEPH KINYUA RUCHIAKA

Brief commentary
On

The Book of Philippians

October 2017
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Contents

1. Brief History ……………………………….……..………………3

2. Christianity in Philippi ...…………………...……………..…….3

3. The Place of Writing and Authorship ...….…………..………..3

4. Maps and Figures……….……………..…………………….…..4

5. Contents of the Letter…………………..………………………..4

6. Chapter One ………………………….…..………………………5

7. Chapter Two ……………………………..………………………7

8. Chapter Three…………………………...………………………..8

9. Chapter Four ……………………………….…………………….10

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Brief history of the town of Philippi

The town of Philippi was built by Thracians later it was taken over by Phillip II who
renamed it after himself at around 350 BC. The town fell under Roman Empire and
Octavian made it a Roman colony in the province of Macedonia. Philippi was situated
along the great northern road that ran from the Adriatic Sea coast via the Egnatian way
to the town of Byzantium (later renamed Constantinople and today's Istanbul). The
town's population was predominantly Greek but with few Jewish groups (Acts 16:13).
Philippi having become a Roman colony acted as a military outpost and therefore
enjoyed several privileges and many military veterans resided in the town.

Christianity in Philippi

Christianity came to the town of Philippi through Paul and his entourage during his
second missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40). This is the very first church to be established
in European soil. The town did not have a synagogue, probably due to the small
number of Jews. People met for prayers at a place by the riverside.
The first convert was Lydia who was a business lady from Thyatira who after
conversion hosted Paul and his entourage. In the course of writing this letter, Paul does
not include what happened in Philippi when he was planting the church i.e. his
imprisonment, the jailer’s conversion, his exit from the town and even exorcism of the
girl who had the spirit of divination. The Apostle Paul’s attachment to this church was
great as seen in the words and terms used in this literary work. They had supported
him financially before the writing of this letter and after they heard of his
imprisonment, they sent Epaphroditus with another gift of support to Rome, even after
eleven years after planting the church they still had a soft spot for him. Paul visited
Philippi three times

1. First time …………..Acts 16:11-40

2. Second time ………..Acts 20:1-2
3. Third time …………Acts 20:3-6

The place of writing and authorship

This letter was written by Paul the Apostle around 61 AD, when under house arrest in
Rome and is one of the quartets of the Pauline prison epistles (Ephesians, Philippians,
Colossians, and Philemon). In this letter, Paul refers many times of his being in bonds and
was delivered to Philippi by Epaphroditus who had delivered the "gift" from the
Philippians to Paul in Rome
Brief Commentary On The Book Of Philippians JOSEPH K. RUCHIAKA 2017
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Maps and figures

Figure 1. Paul’s Route to Philippi

Contents of the letter

This is a thank you letter to the church which took care of Paul’s needs even when in
prison. Paul encourages this church to grow and pleads with them to sort out issues
among them (Phil. 4:1-3). He also reveals his optimism of even in the face of his
circumstances. Using himself as an example he exhorts the church to rejoice in the Lord
always
In chapter 2:5-8 Paul teaches the doctrine of self-Humiliation or the self-emptying of
Jesus Christ (Kenosis) and also about Prayer in Phil 4:6-7.

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CHAPTER 1

In chapter one, the writer gives his salutations, expressions of gratitude and explains his
personal circumstances in his mission of preaching Christ. As he starts this letter he
addresses it to the church (saints), the bishops (overseers), and the deacons (the
attendants) thereby including all the three groups who compose the church i.e. the
members, their attendants, and the leaders.

Phil 1:1 – 8 …… Paul’s greetings and prayers

In his opening remarks, Paul does not call himself an apostle, as was the norm in the
other letters but as a servant (slave) of Christ together with Timothy who had helped
him start this church, probably due to the obedience and the support they had for Paul,
he did not find it important to state his apostolic office because they did recognize it. He
says that he thanks, God every time he remembers them requesting God to give them
his grace and peace due to their fellowship (financial support).

In verse 6 – 8, Paul is confident that God who started a good work in them will sustain
it to the end. In this, he explains that the church has a special place in his heart for they
are partakers of his grace and for their care even when he is in bonds (chains) he calls
God as his witness of the love he had for them.

Phil 1:9 – 11………….. His prayer

In these verses, Paul expresses his prayer and desire for their love to abound that they
increase in the knowledge of God and the ability to make right judgments which were
to help them discern the things that were of great importance and the non-issues, being
blameless until the return of Christ. More so they shall bear fruit that would glorify God

Phil 1:12-30 ………..Personal circumstances.

1. Verse 12 -18

In these verses, he informs the Philippians of the things that have happened to him and
how these occurrences have influenced the gospel positively, thus his imprisonment,
steadfastness, and unwavering witnessing is well known both in the palace and
beyond. He says this has encouraged many brothers to boldly preach the gospel.
However, he reveals that some of the brethren were preaching Christ with ill motives
and others out of a pure desire and good intention but Paul was happy that
notwithstanding the gospel was being preached anyway.

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2. Verse 19 – 26

Paul is happy that the Philippian church is praying for him and therefore anticipates the
Romans will release him. In addition, through the prayers of the saints, he is assured of
the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. He goes on to explain his desire and hopes that
either through a release or death whatever shall happen between the two it should
glorify Christ. In verses 21 -23 he explains the benefits of both options, however, in
verse 24 he tells them his remaining in flesh or being released was more profitable to
the Philippian church as he anticipated to see them soon and their faith and joy to be
increased.

3. Verse 27 – 30

Paul informs them if his desire of release does not happen, they should live a life that is
in line with the faith and the gospel. He also encourages them not to be afraid of their
enemies that they were to stand firm. Just as they believed in Christ, they were also to
be willing to suffer for his sake being in the same conflict he was suffering from those
who opposed the gospel.

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CHAPTER 2

In this chapter, Paul deals with Christian life and the self-emptying of Jesus Christ

Phil. 2:1-4……. Paul’s Call to Humility

In the above verses, he exhorts the Philippians to be humble, to avoid jealousy,

selfishness, and petty issues which brought vainglory. In verse two and three he tells
them to be likeminded, be of one accord and nothing to be done through strife but with
lowliness of mind esteeming the other person better than themselves. Paul commends
humility and willingness to mind others.

Phil. 2:5-11 ………the example of humility

In verses 5-11 he reminds them of Jesus who humbled himself and obeyed God to the
point of dying on the cross. This is the highest mark in this letter, Paul shows them how
Jesus humbled himself and took the place of a servant and in the likeness of men
though equal with God is something to be highly regarded and followed. He goes on to
show the rewards of this humility, how God has given him a name that is above all
names and has highly exalted him. That every knee should bow and every tongue to
confess that Jesus is the Lord and to proclaim the glory of God.

Phil. 12- 18……practice of humility

The apostle Paul in these verses shows the Philippians how diligent in exercising
humility. He calls on them to avoid disputing and murmurings but to "work out their
salvation" for God works in them to give them the will to do His pleasure. He exhorts
them to hold on to the word of God until Jesus returns. In this the Philippians will have
kept their faith to the end and Paul's work will be sustained and both he and they shall
rejoice in that day.

Phil 2:19 – 30…….. Paul commendation of Timothy and Epaphroditus

In the above verses apostle, Paul expresses his desire to know how the church was
faring and more so that also they may know his welfare. He uses the Examples of
Timothy and Epaphroditus, using their commitments and dependability to commend
them to the Philippians, that when he Paul shall send them they need to receive a good
welcoming as his trusted fellow workers.

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CHAPTER 3

In this chapter, Paul deals with motivating the church toward the ultimate prize of a
Christian who lived to fulfil the purposes of God. In addition, he warns them against
false teachers and the Jews who had opposed him wherever he had gone to preach the
gospel.

Phil. 3:1– 3…………..Philippians beware

These are very strict warnings from an experienced worker, but first, he informs them
that reminding them of the same things were not supposed to be troublesome to them
but was an act of safeguarding them against the evil people. This shows that in the time
he was in their midst he had taught them earlier about this and was now reminding
them of the same issues. In verse two he calls the Judaizers who taught that
circumcision was mandatory for salvation as dogs, evil workers, and mutilators. These
three words reveal three aspects of these people, that is-

 Dogs signified their character

 Evil workers signified their conduct
 Concision (mutilators) signified their belief.

Phil. 3:3 – 7…. worthless human credentials

In these verses, the Apostle uses own life as an example to show that the things he had
done or were done to him when he was a Pharisee are not profitable to him now. This
worldview gave him the right to criticize the Judaizers and their teachings.

In verse 4 to 6, he reveals his pedigree and status in the Jewish lineage, customs and
traditions to prove to his antagonists that if it were to boast of these things he had the
right to and even a higher ground than they did.

Phil 3:7-14 ……………the ultimate goal

In verse 7 to 14, he explains that though these privileges were of gain to him, he has
counted them as a loss so that he may gain the Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ.
Paul contrasts works and righteousness that is based on the law and righteousness that
is based on faith in God through Jesus Christ. He does express his longing that he may
know Christ, the power of his resurrection, fellowship with him and attain the
resurrection of the dead. In verses 12 to 14 he reveals his view on his achievements and
how he deals with them, he says he has not been perfected yet therefore, he presses
forward in pursuit of the ultimate goal. To enable him not to be complacent he forgets

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what is already past that, he may push forward to the things ahead, which is the prize
of the calling of God through Jesus Christ.

Phil 3:15 – 21……….exhortation to emulate Paul

In the above verses, the apostle now exhorts the church, pleading with them especially
the mature ones to have the same kind of mind and attitude he had and if any may not
understand, God to enlighten him. He calls on them to emulate him and those who
have lived a good life for there are people who do not follow Christ out of a clean
motive but for personal gain, God shall, in the end, destroy these people. Concluding
his argument he reminds them that our citizenship is in heaven where our saviour Jesus
Christ is and who shall change our mortal body to a glorified one.

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CHAPTER 4

In this chapter, the apostle Paul encourages the Philippians to live in peace in all
circumstances and to practice good Christian practices. He congratulates them for their
continued support and finally, he concludes with both personal and his teams,
greetings to the Philippians.

Phil 4:1-3…….Standing fast in the Lord.

In the above verses, the apostle encourages the Philippians as brothers and sisters to
stand fast in Christ. He then entreats the two women Euodia and Syntyche to drop their
differences and work together in one mind. He even entreats the "true yokefellow" to
help reconcile the two women. He also recognizes their work together in the Ministry
along with him and Clement and others.

Phil 4:4 – 8……….good Christian living.

In the above verses, Paul gives counsel to the church on personal life application, telling
them to rejoice in the lord and not in circumstances that they are in or shall face in their
walk with Christ, more so he implores them that their gentleness and forbearance to be
known by all. In addition, they are to pray always to God with thanksgiving. As a
result, the peace of God (the internal peace) shall keep their minds and hearts in Christ
Jesus. In verse 8, Paul tells the Philippians of the things that should occupy their minds.

Phil 4:9 – 20 …………Appreciation for their support

The Apostle Paul speaks to this church in verse 9 telling them to practice Christian
ethics they had heard and seen in the apostle’s life and the God of peace shall be with
them. He tells the Philippians of his joy that their care for him has revived again though
they had lacked an opportunity earlier. In verse 11 and 12 he explains that his earlier
remarks of the Joy he had for their gift was not because he was in need since he as a
person, he had learned how to be contented with what he had, in verse 13 he
summarizes by saying he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him.
Notwithstanding the Philippians had done something commendable as he reminds
them of the time he departed from Macedonia that no other church did support him
apart from them even the time he was in Thessalonica, they had sent help more than
once. Paul asserts once more he is doing this not out of a necessity of help but a desire
that the church should be fruitful in this grace of giving and supporting gospel
ministers. In verse 18 to 20 He is happy for he received the support from Philippi

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delivered by Epaphroditus, he calls it a fragrant offering that is well pleasing in the eyes
of God. Therefore, he gives them an assurance that his God shall take care of their
needs, as they have been mindful of him and as a result, God will be glorified.

Phil 4:21- 23…….. Final salutations

These are greetings to the church from Paul himself and the people with him even those
from the emperor’s palace. Finally, he wishes them the grace of the Lord Jesus to be
with them all.

Brief Commentary On The Book Of Philippians JOSEPH K. RUCHIAKA 2017