The Letter to the Philippians

Q: Hello and peace be with you. Could you be kind to answer the question below: Q. We know Philippians is from "Paul and Timothy."Kindly tell in what were these two involved at the writing of the epistle? Thank you. Kindly know, I could not find answer in your article of survey of Philippians and questions regarding Philippians. thank you. 

A: Thank you for your question and grace and peace to you. Your question is not clear as to what exactly you are wanting to know. However, the letter to the Philippians was written, in part, to express Paul's appreciation and thankfulness to the Philippians for their partnership with him in advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now (Philippians 1:4-5)." Later on he also thanked them for the gifts they provided him when he was in need. "Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need (Philippians 4:15-16)." His thankfulness is significant given the fact that he was writing this letter while in prison.

Paul writes, "As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly (Philippians 1:13-14).". Historians have speculated that Paul wrote this while imprisoned in three possible locations. Some say it was written from Ephesus between 53-55 A.D. Others place Paul in Caesarea between 57-59 A.D. Another group likes the idea that he was Rome around 61 A.D. Regardless of where the letter was written, Paul was "in chains for Christ" as he explicitly expresses. The great thing about Paul's imprisonment is that it emboldened him and others to keep preaching the Gospel. This is something that Christians of all generations can take encouragement from as we proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ and His message of salvation.

The role of Timothy in the letter is that Paul holds him out as a shining example of someone who not only cared about the welfare of the Philippian church, but as a loyal brother in Christ. Regarding Timothy, Paul writes, "I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare... But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel (Philippians 2:20, 22)." We know from 1 and 2 Timothy about Paul's love for Timothy. Paul repeatedly referred to Timothy as "my true son in the the faith (1 Timothy 1:2),""my son (1 Timothy 1:18)" and "my dear son (2 Timothy 1:2)." No doubt, Paul's inclusion of Timothy in his letter to the Philippians was twofold. One, it was because Timothy's inclusion in the letter would uplift the Philippian church because Timothy cared so much about them and they cared about him. And, two, Paul was proud to show that Timothy was a loyal and faithful brother to him in suffering for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Overall, the letter to the Philippians can be broken down into a handful of themes. There is the thanksgiving and prayer for the Philippians (Philippians 1:3-11). Paul's explanation of his circumstances (Philippians 1:12-26). Living a life worthy of the Gospel (Philippians 1:27-30). Having a servants attitude like Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:1-18). Paul talking about Timothy and Epaphroditus serving with him (Philippians 2:19-30). Warnings against legalists and fleeing worldliness (Philippians 3 - 4:1). And Paul's final thanks and concluding statements (Philippians 4:2-23). The letter to the Philippians has some of the most encouraging verses in all of the New Covenant. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21)." "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:8)." "I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13)." These are just three of the encouraging verses in this book. All of them coming from the heart of a man, Paul, who was resting in the promises of God and not focusing on his poor circumstances. I pray we can all learn to trust the Lord this way. I hope this sheds some light on why Paul and Timothy wrote the letter to the Philippians. Grace and Peace.