Joy in all circumstances
Chara / chairō pulse through every chapter; joy independent of circumstance because rooted in Christ.
New Testament · Book 50 of 66
Philippians
A prison letter dominated by joy. Four chapters move from partnership in the gospel through the humility of Christ to pressing on to contentment.
4
Chapters
1
Prison letter
Joy
Keynote
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Joy in Four Movements
A prison letter dominated by joy. Four chapters, four movements — each opening a theme that runs to the end.
- PartnershipCh. 1
In the gospel
To live is Christ; the gospel furthered through Paul's chains.
- HumilityCh. 2
The mind of Christ
Emptied, obedient, exalted — the kenosis hymn.
- Pressing onCh. 3
Toward the mark
Loss for the excellency of knowing Christ; forget what lies behind.
- ContentmentCh. 4
In whatsoever state
Think on these things; I can do all things through Christ.
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
- Author
- Paul, with Timothy (1:1)
- Date
- c. AD 61–62, from Roman imprisonment
- Audience
- The church at Philippi — Paul's partners in the gospel from the first day
- Position
- New Testament · Book 50 of 66
Structure
- Partnership in the gospel1
Paul's imprisonment furthers the gospel; to live is Christ, to die is gain.
- Humility of Christ2
The mind of Christ; the kenosis hymn; Timothy and Epaphroditus commended.
- Pressing on3
No confidence in the flesh; the excellency of knowing Christ; pressing toward the mark.
- Contentment4
Rejoice always; think on these things; I have learned in whatsoever state; Philippian giving.
Section pages
Each section is one focused part of Philippians — purpose, key movements, key verses, Christ-in-this-section. Roughly five minutes each.
Themes
Humility of Christ
Emptied himself, took the form of a servant, obedient unto death — the mind Paul commends (ch. 2).
Pressing on
Forgetting what lies behind, pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling (ch. 3).
Contentment in Christ's strength
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me — the learned contentment of ch. 4.
If you only read a few chapters
- 2Christ hymnLet this mind be in you; every knee shall bow, every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord.
- 3Press toward the markLoss for Christ's excellency; the power of his resurrection; pressing on to the upward call.
- 4Whatsoever things are trueContentment learned; think on these things; peace which passeth all understanding.