Paul identifies himself and Timothy as the senders of Philippians. Paul’s authorship of the letter was universally accepted in the early church, and there has been no serious scholarly challenge to his authorship. A few have argued that Philippians is composed of two or even three letters, but these arguments have are not convincing.

The letter’s date is somewhat less certain. Paul does give clues as to when it was written, such as that he wrote it from prison, and guarded by Praetorian (palace) guards (1:13), and how far from Philippi he was, since Paul speaks of several trips between where he was and Philippi. This has led to four places of writing (and four corresponding dates): Corinth, Ephesus, Caesarea and Rome.

Corinth (in A.D. 50) is the least popular option, and is based on Acts 18:10, where the Lord tells Paul that “no one will attack you to hurt you.” However, there is no evidence Paul was imprisoned in Corinth.

Slightly more popular is Ephesus and a date of 53-55. Ephesus was fairly close to Philippi, and may have had a Praetorian Guard contingent stationed there. Again though, there is no evidence Paul was ever imprisoned in Ephesus.

A slightly stronger argument may be made for Caesarea, cira 58-59. There were at times Praetorian Guard there, and Paul was imprisoned in the city. However, Caesarea was far away from Philippi, and there is no evidence Paul was ever released from prison while there. Moreover, Paul’s expectation of imminent release from prison in Philippians (1:19, 16; 2:24) doesn’t match his situation in Caesarea, where he languished while awaiting transport to Rome to appear before Caesar.

The earliest theory and best fit for the place of writing is Rome, sometime between 60 and 62. Paul was under house arrest there, and although Rome is a considerable distance from Philippi, Paul was in Rome long enough to allow trips to Philippi.

1:19-21 “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

2:1-11 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

3:1 “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.”

4:8-9 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Church in Philippi

Paul says the believers in Philippi had shown great care and generosity toward him, and calls them “beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown” (4:1)

Euodia and Sytyche and the unnamed “true companion”

Theses were apparently two important women in the Philippian church who were having a disagreement. Paul calls on them to put aside their differences and “be of the same mind” (4:1). It was probably not a moral or theological dispute, since Paul doesn’t include any answer or call to submit to Christ or the church. He also urges an unnamed “true companion” to “help these women.” It has been speculated this was Timothy, Silas, Epaphroditus, or some friend of Paul’s in the Philippian church. Some have even postulated that the Greek word for “true companion,” suzuge, was actually a proper name, Suzuge, but this word has never been found as a person’s name, in the Bible or any other ancient writing.

Epaphroditus

Paul calls the person tasked with delivering the Epistle “my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier.” He had also delivered the Philippian’s gift to Paul. Paul says Epaphroditus was distressed when he was sick “almost unto death,” not because of his sickness, but because he heard that the Philippians were worried about him. He tells the Philippians to “receive him..in the Lord with gladness.” Epaphroditus stands as an example of the kind of humility and servanthood Paul urges in Philippians.

The Philippian church sending Paul a gift of support

Paul called the Philippian church’s gift a “sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.” This was not the first time the Philippians had helped Paul, but the latest in a long line of support for the Apostle.

Salutation (1:1-2)
 

Reasons For Writing (1:3-2:30)

1. Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Philippians (1:3-11)                                                                   
2. Paul’s Joy in the Progress of the Gospel (1:12-26)
3. Paul’s Exhortation to be Like Christ (1:27-2:18)
   A.  Strive Together Even in Suffering (1:27-30)
   B.  Be United Through Humility (2:1-4)
   C.  Christ’s Example (2:5-11)
   D.  Be Obedient (2:12-18)
4. Paul’s Plans (2:19-30)
   A.  Timothy to be Sent (2:19-24)
   B.  Epaphroditus to be Sent (2:25-30)

The Christian Life (3:1-4:9)

1. I.  Avoid False Teachers (3:1-11)
2. II.  Press on for the Goal (3:12-16)
3. III.  Avoid Enemies of the Cross (3:17-21)
4. IV.  Be Faithful to Christ (4:1-9)

Paul’s Thanks (4:10-20)
 

Greetings and Benediction (4:21-23)