What Is The Purpose Of The Book Of Philippians? A Bible Study

Why did Paul write the Book of Philippians? What can we learn from this book written nearly 2,000 years ago?

The Author

Who else but Paul would be the author of the Book of Philippians? Paul introduces himself in the very beginning by writing “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons” (Phil 1:1) as is his customary manner. This book was likely written about AD 60 and one in which he wrote from prison, along with Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon. How interesting that this book, which has also been called “the Joy Epistle” or letter was written when in prison in Rome. Regardless of where and by whom it was written, in the end, we know that all Scripture is authored by God (2nd Tim 3:16).

The Generosity of the Philippians

One of the reasons Paul wrote this book was to thank the church at Philippi for their generous gift for the saints, writing “no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only” (Phil 4:15) and “Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again” (Phil 4:16) which explains why Paul opened this letter by saying “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil 1:3-5). It was because of their generosity that Paul assured them “my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19). This is one of the few books written by Paul where he doesn’t have some kind of critique but only good things to say so it’s almost like a thank you letter.

The Purpose for Philippians

As in all of Paul’s letters, he laser’s in on Jesus Christ showing that “to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21) and “whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ” (Phil 3:7). I find it interesting that Paul had to learn contentment and that it didn’t come naturally. He didn’t make it dependent upon his circumstances because at the time he was writing this, he was being held in Rome and while there he wrote, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Phil 4:11) and “how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (Phil 4:12) and this secret is “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).

A Lesson in Humility

Philippians chapter two has one of the greatest teachings on humility in the entire Bible. Paul wants the Philippians (and us) to have “the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Phil 2:2) and doing “nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Phil 2:3) and telling them that they should “look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Phil 2:4-7). Imagine, the fact that the God of Glory “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). How can we not be humble, esteeming others better than ourselves, and serving one another in humility and meekness; casting off all selfish ambitions or conceitedness? When you’re looking “to the interests of others” you’ll have an easier time counting “others more significant that yourself” and doing anything for selfish ambition.

Conclusion

Paul was overjoyed about the generosity of the church at Philippi. They had helped him and the church in a big way. They had given but they were blessed. They can see the humility in Paul by his letters and they had every reason to be humble too, like we do, because God will resist the proud of heart and give His grace only to the humble (James 4:6). Let us see ourselves as less than others and serve one another in love and not out of selfish motives. Jesus did.

Article by Jack Wellman

Jack Wellman is Pastor of the Mulvane Brethren Church in Mulvane Kansas. Jack is also the Senior Writer at What Christians Want To Know whose mission is to equip, encourage, and energize Christians and to address questions about the believer’s daily walk with God and the Bible. You can follow Jack on Google Plus or check out his book Teaching Children the Gospel available on Amazon.