2. Colossians / Philemon Review: What are some things we learn about Jesus Christ in Colossians? (especially in ch. 1) What does our position in Christ have to do with the way we live? (see ch. 3) How is Colossians 4:1 developed further in Philemon?

3. PHILIPPIANS

4. Favorite verses in Philippians?

5. When and where did Paul write Philippians?

6. Philippians was definitely a prison epistle. – “my imprisonment” (1:14) – “I am put here for the defense of the gospel” (1:16) Philippians was almost certainly written from Rome. – “throughout the whole imperial guard” (1:13) – “All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s house.” (4:22)

7. When he wrote Philippians, it seems like Paul expected his imprisonment to be over shortly. – See 1:19-26 So it seems like he wrote it near the end of his time in prison in Rome, placing it at about 61- 62 AD. It was probably the last of the prison epistles, written after Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon.

8. Reflection: On the Prison Epistles

9. Who did Paul write Philippians to?

10. Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, and especially to its leaders (1:1) This was one of Paul’s favorite churches, because of the longstanding partnership they had. (1:3-5, 4:15) The church was founded through Paul’s ministry (Acts 16). He visited the city two more times prior to writing Philippians (

12. Why did Paul write Philippians?

13. Several Reasons: To thank them for their gift (4:10-18) To send Epaphroditus back to them (2:25-30) To update them about his condition (1:12-26) To encourage unity (2:1-2, 4:2) To warn against false teachers (3:1-4:1)

14. What did Paul write about in Philippians?

15. Outline: 1.Greetings (1:1-11) 2.Paul’s Circumstances (1:12-26) 3.Exhortations (1:27-2:18) A.Stand firm (1:27-30) B.Be unified (2:1-4) C.Follow Christ’s example (2:5-11) D.Be lights in the darkness (2:12-18) 4.Companions (2:19-30) A.Timothy (2:19-24) B.Epaphroditus (2:25-30)

16. Outline: 5.Warnings (3:1-4:1) A.Against self-righteousness (3:1-17) B.Against unrighteousness (3:17-4:1) 6.Exhortations (4:2-9) A.For unity (4:2-3) B.For right living (4:4-9) 7.Closing Remarks (4:10-23) A.Thank you (4:10-20) B.Farewell (4:21-23)

17. What are some key concepts in Philippians?

18. Joy / Rejoicing: These words are used 13 times in Philippians.

19. Christ’s Incarnation and Glorification: Philippians 2:5-11 What does it mean that Christ “emptied himself”? What was the name God gave to Christ?

20. Tips for reading…

21. Read slowly Read prayerfully Read multiple times if necessary Ask questions Don’t forget the steps: Observe-Interpret-Apply Each day, write down something you learned, or something that confused you, or something that encouraged you—just write down something. Persevere. Remember, Paul’s letters can be tough. If you’re confused, ask someone for help or look something up!