Philippi was an important city in Macedonia that was visited by Paul in his second missionary tour. It was probably the first city in Europe that was evangelized by Christians. Paul probably wrote this letter in 60 A.D. as he sat in a prison in Rome. Considering where he was, it’s amazing to read the letter and see how many references there are to joy; the word “joy” or “rejoice” appears sixteen times. Philippians, full of warmth and peace, is the most personal letter to a church, .

Paul used the letter to thank the Philippians. What else did he use the letter for? See 1:12-26 and 4:10-19; 1:27-30 and 4:4; 2:1-11 and 4:2-5; 2:19-30; all of chapter 3. Why is 2:5-11 in the form of a poem? What does the form do for this information? This section is probably part of an ancient Christian hymn, so the deity of Jesus was established at the very beginning of the Christian faith. There are many other songs and creeds scattered in Paul’s letters. The most famous is in 1st Corinthians 15:1-8. What does this portion of Philippians (2:5-11) say about the nature of Jesus and God? In 3:4-8 we learn useful biographical information about Paul. What new details did you learn here? This letter has brought hope and inspiration to many. Which portions seem to do that best? Why? Does the style of writing have anything to do with it?