NOTES ON PHILIPPIANS

Introduction

     In Philippians 4:4 it is stated, "Rejoice in the Lord alway:  and again I say, Rejoice."

     This verse sets forth the theme of  the Epistle to the Philippians.  The key note is joy.  As this writer begins this study of
the Book of  Philippians, some introductory matters will be considered in this section. As is the usual case in the studies that this writer has presented, all references will be identified as used.  Use will be made of  Ibid. when the same page of  the
previous work is cited; op. cit. will be used when another page of  the previous work is cited. Also, if  a word seems to be misspelled in a quotation (other than the ou for o) the word "sic" in brackets will appear.  Unless otherwise specified all brackets ([ ]) will be comments within a quotation by this writer. There may arise an occasion where the author cited uses brackets; in that case if  this writer makes a comment it will be in braces ({ }).  Note also that the volume number of  a multi-volume work will probably be drop after the first citation.

I. DATE AND AUTHORSHIP
     A. The Date
          1. The date varies to some extent.
               a. ". . . it is most remarkable among Christians for this epistle which was written when Paul was a prisoner at
                    Rome, A. D. 62." (Henry, Matthew, Commentary on the Whole Bible.  Mc Lean, VA:  Mac Donald
                    Publishing Company, n. d., VI:722)
               b. After some discussion, Alford states, "According to this, we must date it shortly after Feb., 63; when now the
                    change [in the praetorian praefecture] was fresh and the danger imminent.  Say for its date, then, the summer
                    of 63." (Alford, Henry, The Greek Testament. rev. by Everett F. Harrison. Chicago: Moody Press, 1958,
                    III:32)
          2. Therefore, this epistle was written sometime between summer of 62 A. D. and summer of 63 A. D., while Paul
               was imprisoned in Rome and most probable after his removal from his own hired house (Acts 28:30) to the
               praetorium attached to the palace.
       B. The Author
          1. Philippians 1:1
               a. Says, "Paul"
               b. Philippians 4:23 is conclusive proof of  Pauline authorship since this was the customary close in all Pauline
                    epistles with, of  course, variation.
               c. To the believer this is sufficient.
          2. Practically no one questions the Pauline authorship of  this epistle.
               a. Most questions come from liberal higher critics who try to find fault with any authorship in the New Testament.
               b. Some find a portion such as Philippians 3:1-4:9 an interpolation.
               c. Others argue for a later date because of  some supposed Gnostic ideas.
               d. At least one critic takes usual statements as evidence against Pauline authorship and then turns around and
                    takes unusual expressions as evidence against Pauline authorship.
          3. Almost all external evidence states Paul as author.
               a. Polycarp
               b. Irenaeus
               c. Clement of  Alexandria
               d. Tertullian
               e. Cyprian
          4. The style and language is thoroughly Pauline

II. PLACE AND PURPOSE
     A. Its Place
          1. Written from Rome
               a. There is no doubt about this fact.
               b. This was discussed briefly in connection with the date.
          2. Written to the believers in Philippi
               a. This was the city to which Paul went after the Macedonian call--cf. Acts 16:7-12.
               b. There was no synagogue there, but went to the riverside where some women gathered for prayer--Acts.
                    16:13.
               c. It is addressed to "all the saints in Christ Jesus in Philippi."
               d. Though the word church is not used, the officers, namely bishops (elders) and deacons are mentioned which
                    shows this epistle was written to the church there in Philippi.
     B. Its Purpose
          1. There was a Judiazing influence with which he had to deal briefly--cf. 3:2.
          2. There was need for encouragement to them.
               a. They were poor as suggested by 4:19.
               b. They were experience trouble, probably from persecution, as set forth by 1:28-30.
               c. They had danger of  dissension as seen in 1:27; 2:3, 14; and 4:2.
          3. There was need to bring about a rejoicing spirit among them
               a. Seen in the key verse--4:4
               b. Seen in the repeated emphasis on joy.

     The epistle to the Philippians expresses joy, but it contain warnings as well.  Though the gospel message is not set forth in so many words, the emphasis on the Lord Jesus Christ is very clear.
     Have you trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?  If  not, do so now.  It is the only way that you will be able to understand this epistle to the Philippians or any other portion of  the Word of  God, the Bible.