Paul’s letter of friendship Philippians

 Paul founds a Christian community in Philippi 50–51CE Paul’s oldest known church (1:1–5) First church in “Europe” Only church to finance Paul’s ministry (4:15–18)  Paul writes from prison (1:7, 13, 14, 17) In Ephesus? (ca. 54–56 CE) In Caesarea? (ca. 58–60 CE) In Rome? (ca. 61–63 CE) Date and Place

 Paul is in prison  He will be released (2:23–24)  His imprisonment helps spread the gospel (1:12–14)  Paul’s opponents are active: preaching “to increase my suffering” (1:17)  Timothy, Paul’s co-worker, continues the ministry (2:19–24)  Paul loves and encourages the Philippians (1:3–11) Paul’s Situation

 Philippi: a Roman city with privileges of Roman citizenship  Believers partner financially with Paul in ministry from the beginning (1:3–6; 4:15– 18)  Believers send Epaphroditus with a gift for Paul (2:25–30; 4:18)  Two women leaders are quarrelling (4:2– 3) Philippians’ Situation

 Friendship Mutual love  same heart, mind, spirit Love of Christ  Same love  Same (Holy) Spirit Shared ministry  Exchange of finances  Exchange of co-workers Shared thinking  (same mind) Shared citizenship Shared goals / hope  Rejoicing Shared joy “Make my joy complete” “rejoice always”  Humility Put others first Look to others’ needs “Do nothing from selfish ambition” (2:3–4) No “envy and rivalry” (1:15) Key Themes

 Paul gives thanks for Philippians’ friendship (1:3–11)  Paul rejoices in prison (1:12–26)  Examples of enmity and rivalry (1:15–18)  Exhortation to friendship (1:27–2:4)  Christ’s example of humility and obedience (2:5–11)  “Christ Hymn”  Exhortation to friendship (2:12–18)  Timothy exemplifies friendship (2:19–24)  Epaphroditus exemplifies friendship (2:25–30)  Paul exemplifies friendship (3:1–21)  Examples of enmity and “boasting in flesh,” not Christ (3:2–4)  Philippians also exemplify friendship in Christ (4:1–20) Outline