Philippi was a “little Rome” in the midst of
a Greek culture. The soil there was very fertile and the
land was noted for its farming and its gold. It was
governed by Roman laws and completely subject to Roman
rule. The first church founded in Europe was planted by
Paul in Philippi (see Acts 16) on his second missionary
journey. After Paul moved on to Thessalonica, the
Philippian believers sent support to him (Philippians
4:15 and II Corinthians 11:9). Five years later, while
on his third journey, Paul visited Philippi on the way
to Corinth, and then on the return trip (Acts 20:1-6).
There seemed to be a deep love between Paul and the
people of Philippi.

Paul had several purposes for writing this
letter to the Philippians: (1) To explain his
circumstances to friends who were concerned about him;
(2) to explain the ministry of Epaphroditus and defend
him to his critics; (3) to thank them again for their
generous support; and (4) to encourage them in the
Christian life.

The key thought in Philippians is joy. “Joy” and
“rejoice” are mentioned over and over in these four
brief chapters. Another emphasis is the mind. As you
read Philippians, note how many times Paul talks about
the mind, remembering, thoughts, etc. We can summarize
the theme of the book as “the person who has a Christ-
like mind will have Christian joy.”

Paul teaches us much about Christ in this
epistle. In chapter 1 we see Christ is our life; in
chapter 2 our example; in chapter 3 our goal; and in
chapter 4 our strength.

The word “sin” is nowhere mentioned in
Philippians, and the only suggestion of sorrow is in
chapter 3:18 where Paul weeps over the worldly minded
people who dishonor Christ.

Two wonderful promises are found in chapter
4:13,19. Every Christian should memorize these two great
verses and say them over and over again! Christ truly is
our strength and our provision in all things. If we do
all things through Him who gives us the energy, He will
provide all of our needs according to His riches in
glory by Christ Jesus. Paul believed in the providence
of God; that God was in control of events, and that He
was able to meet every need. When the child of God is in
the will of God, all things work for him; but when he is
out of the will of God, everything works against him.
This is the providence of God.