Answers for a study in the book of Philippians: The Hermeneutics and Chapter 1

“Answers For A Study in the Book of Philippians” is a weekly post in addition to the regular “apologetics” posts on the weekend where the original questions can be found at the bottom of the study, and then answers appear here mid-week. This gives you time to do your own research, and then check your answers. Keep in mind these will be basic answers with a little depth, but you can go much deeper for discussion if you’d like.

Note: The answers will focus on what the text of the Bible says, and commentaries and speculative answers will be noted as such. There are many scholarly commentaries out there but it will be important, as students of the Bible, to keep the text of the Bible as our first source. Commentaries can be used, keeping in mind that they are human thoughts about God’s Word. Scripture references here are taken from the NASB, unless otherwise noted.

The Goal for the notes, questions and answers: Share and reuse to lead your own Bible study!

Bible Study

Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

Review of Class Topics: With your table group, discuss the class presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting, or asking any questions.

Recommended Daily Devotional: Choose a wisdom book from the Bible that you’d like to read as a daily devotional (one chapter, or half a chapter a day), then during our next few classes discuss with your table group what you’ve chosen, what you are learning, or difficulties you might be having. Note any questions you may have, or anything that stands out to you as a life application. (Biblical wisdom books include: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon).

Class Bible study: The Book of Philippians

Note: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for “Discussion” or “Going Deeper” questions. Cite your sources to share with your group.

To the best of your ability, answer the following questions about the book of Philippians (a good study Bible can help), then discuss with your table group:

The Hermeneutics:

1. Who authored the book and who was the audience? (Give as much background as you can, including authors’ history; and the cultural and political setting of the day)

Author:

The Apostle Paul (his Roman name; Saul is his Jewish name) and Timothy (1:1)

From gotquestions.org:

Timothy was involved in the writing and delivery of several of the apostle Paul’s letters as well (Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; Philemon 1:1), although Paul signed each one to verify that he was the author (Galatians 6:11).

Paul was actually born as Saul. He was born in Tarsus in Cilicia around AD 1–5 in a province in the southeastern corner of modern-day Tersous, Turkey. He was of Benjamite lineage and Hebrew ancestry (Philippians 3:5–6). His parents were Pharisees—fervent Jewish nationalists who adhered strictly to the Law of Moses—who sought to protect their children from “contamination” from the Gentiles. Anything Greek would have been despised in Saul’s household, yet he could speak Greek and passable Latin. His household would have spoken Aramaic, a derivative of Hebrew, which was the official language of Judea. Saul’s family were Roman citizens but viewed Jerusalem as a truly sacred and holy city (Acts 22:22-29).

At a young age, Saul was sent to Judea to learn from a rabbi named Gamaliel, under whom Saul mastered Jewish history, the Psalms, and the works of the prophets. His education would continue for five or six years as Saul learned such things as dissecting Scripture (Acts 22:3). It was during this time that he developed a question-and-answer style of teaching known in ancient times as “diatribe.” This method of articulation helped rabbis debate the finer points of Jewish law to either defend or prosecute those who broke the law. Saul went on to become a lawyer, and all signs pointed to his becoming a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court of 71 men who ruled over Jewish life and religion. Saul was zealous for his faith, and this faith did not allow for compromise. It is this zeal that led Saul down the path of religious extremism.

In Acts 5:27–42, Peter delivered his defense of the gospel and of Jesus in front of the Sanhedrin, which Saul would have heard. Gamaliel was also present and delivered a message to calm the council and prevent them from stoning Peter. Saul might also have been present at the trial of Stephen. He was present for his stoning and death; he held the garments of those who did the stoning (Acts 7:58). After Stephen’s death, “a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem” (Acts 8:1). Saul became determined to eradicate Christians, ruthless in his pursuit as he believed he was acting in the name of God. Arguably, there is no one more frightening or more vicious than a religious terrorist, especially when he believes he is doing the will of the Lord by killing innocent people. This is exactly what Saul of Tarsus was: a religious terrorist. Acts 8:3 states, “He began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.”

The pivotal passage in Paul’s story is Acts 9:1–22, which recounts Paul’s meeting with Jesus Christ on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus, a journey of about 150 miles. Saul was angered by what he had seen and filled with murderous rage against the Christians. Before departing on his journey, he had asked the high priest for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for permission to bring any Christians (followers of “the Way,” as they were known) back to Jerusalem to imprison them. On the road Saul was caught in a bright light from heaven that caused him to fall face down on the ground. He heard the words, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He replied, “Who are you Lord?” Jesus answered directly and clearly, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (verses 4–5). As an aside, this might not have been Saul’s first encounter with Jesus, as some scholars suggest that young Saul might have known of Jesus and that he might have actually witnessed His death.

From that moment on, Saul’s life was turned upside down. The light of the Lord blinded him, and as he traveled on he had to rely on his companions. As instructed by Jesus, Saul continued to Damascus to make contact with a man named Ananias, who was hesitant at first to meet Saul because he knew Saul’s reputation as an evil man. But the Lord told Ananias that Saul was a “chosen instrument” to carry His name before the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15) and would suffer for doing so (Acts 9:16). Ananias followed the Lord’s instructions and found Saul, on whom he laid hands, and told him of his vision of Jesus Christ. Through prayer, Saul received the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17), regained his sight, and was baptized (Acts 9:18). Saul immediately went into the synagogues and proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 9:20). The people were amazed and skeptical, as Saul’s reputation was well known. The Jews thought he had come to take away the Christians (Acts 9:21), but he had in fact joined them. Saul’s boldness increased as the Jews living in Damascus were confounded by Saul’s arguments proving that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 9:22).

Saul spent time in Arabia, Damascus, Jerusalem, Syria, and his native Cilicia, and Barnabas enlisted his help to teach those in the church in Antioch (Acts 11:25). Interestingly, the Christians driven out of Judea by the persecution that arose after Stephen’s death founded this multiracial church (Acts 11:19–21).

Saul took his first of three missionary journeys in the late AD 40s. As he spent more time in Gentile areas, Saul began to go by his Roman name Paul (Acts 13:9). Paul wrote many of the New Testament books. Most theologians are in agreement that he wrote Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Philemon, Ephesians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus. These thirteen “letters” (epistles) make up the “Pauline Authorship” and are the primary source of his theology. As previously noted, the book of Acts gives us a historical look at Paul’s life and times. The apostle Paul spent his life proclaiming the risen Christ Jesus throughout the Roman world, often at great personal peril (2 Corinthians 11:24–27). It is assumed that Paul died a martyr’s death in the mid-to-late AD 60s in Rome. (Mine: Church history tells us that he was beheaded under the Emperor Nero in the mid AD60s)

Audience:

From the Life Application Bible Commentary

Paul wrote this letter to the Christians at Philippi (4:1) in about AD 61. Paul and his companions began the church at Philippi on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40). This was the first church established on the European continent. The Philippians church had sent a gift with Epaphroditus to be delivered to Paul (4:18). Paul was in a Roman prison at the time. He wrote this letter to thank them for their gift and to encourage them in their faith.
Ultimately it is intended for all believers everywhere

From gotquestions.org

The city of Philippi was located in ancient Greece on the eastern border of the Roman province of Macedonia, about 10 miles inland from the coast, directly northwest of its nearest port city, Neapolis. A strategic area in ancient times, Philippi sat on a fertile plain through which passed the Via Egnatia (Egnatian Way), a trade highway that linked the Aegean and Adriatic Seas. Many travelers passed through Philippi on their way to Rome.

Originally founded by immigrants from Thrace, the city of Philippi was famous for its abundant gold mines and plenteous springs of water. From these springs, the town received its name Crenides, meaning “fountains” or “springs.” Later, around 359 BC, the city was renamed Philippi after Philip of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. Under Alexander, the city rose to become the capital of the Greek Empire. By New Testament times, the city had come under Roman rule with a diverse population of native Thracians, Greeks, and Romans. A famous school of medicine existed in Philippi, where the gospel writer Luke may have studied.

Extensive archaeological and historical research has been done at Philippi, uncovering ruins that include the forum, agora, streets, gymnasium, baths, library, and acropolis. Also, the site contains what may be a 400 BC temple of Apollo and Artemis, along with numerous inscriptions and coins.

While in Troas on his second missionary journey, Paul was called by God in a vision to go to Macedonia: “So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them” (Acts 16:8–10). Paul traveled to Philippi accompanied by Silas, Timothy, and Luke.

Paul’s custom was to go to the synagogue whenever he first arrived in a new city, but in Philippi, apparently, there was no synagogue, and he went to the river where he knew that Jews would be worshipping (Acts 16:13). There Paul met Lydia, a Gentile who became the first Christian convert in Europe: “One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded us” (Acts 16:14–15).

2. What was the genre and purpose of the writing? (Was there a specific event(s) or situation(s) going on that prompted the author to write to this audience?)

Genre:

Philippians is one of Paul’s “prison Epistles” because he wrote it from his imprisonment in Rome.

From gotquestions.org

The book of Philippians is an “Epistle” which is a “letter” or “message.” Epistles were a primary form of written communication in the ancient world, especially during New Testament times.

An epistle would have been written on a scroll. Often, it was dictated and then reviewed by the author before being delivered by a trusted messenger. For example, 1 Peter mentions that it was Peter’s letter written down by Silvanus, or Silas (1 Peter 5:12).

Epistles also generally followed a familiar format. Most of Paul’s letters begin with an introduction that identifies his name and those of any associates, mentions his audience, and gives a greeting. The introduction is followed by the main body of the letter, and the epistles often conclude with a general blessing and personal notes to individuals within the recipient church.

Purpose:

From the Life Application Bible Commentary

Philippians is Paul’s joy letter. The church in that Macedonian city had been a great encouragement to Paul. The Philippian believers The Philippian believers had enjoyed a very special relationship with Paul, so he wrote them a personal expression of his love and affection. They had brought him great joy (4:1). Philippians is also a joyful book because it emphasizes the real joy of the Christian life. The. Concept of rejoicing or joy appears sixteen times in four chapters, and the pages radiate this positive message, culminating in the exhortation to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (4:4).

3. Discuss: What are some other things that you already know about this book, if any? (For example: basic outline, key people, themes, places, etc.)

Answers may vary…

Themes: Humility, self-sacrifice, unity, Christian living and joy.

Blueprint: Joy in suffering (1:1-30); Joy in serving (2:1-30); Joy in believing (3:1-4:1); and Joy in giving (4:2-23)

Key people: Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus, Euodia, and Syntche

Key verses: Philippians 4:3-7

Read Philippians 1:1-30 with your table group, then answer the following questions:

4. What did Paul say that lets us know how he felt about the audience he was writing to?

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-8 (NASB)

He thanks God for them always (he has known them since the beginning of their belief in the Gospel, and their participation with him in sharing the Gospel).
He is confident that God will continue His good work in them until the day of Christ Jesus.
He says he has them in his heart because, even in his imprisonment, they are all partaker of grace with him.
He has the same affection for them as Jesus does.
All of this to express his love for them as brother and sisters in Jesus.

5. Re-read 1:9-10. Discuss: Is this something we should be desiring as well, and if so, how can we practice to achieve it?

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:9-10

As Christians it should be our desire to “know what we believe, and why we believe it” because this is the calling we find in Scripture, and it is what we are teaching in apologetics.
The more knowledge we have of Scripture, and of God’s character, the more we will be able to discern false teaching, and therefore be righteous in our behavior and thinking.
This life is practice until the day Christ returns where we will find perfection brought to its fulfillment.

6. Why did Paul think his imprisonment turned out to be a good thing?

“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” Philippians 1:12-14

Paul’s imprisonment had brought more people to know the truth of the Gospel, more than if he had not been put in prison.
The Roman guards and others around the area were able to see how Paul was still motivated to preach the Gospel without fear, and therefore knew that he was teaching something important.
The “brethren” (other believers) were empowered by Paul’s example, and they were not in fear to speak the Word of God because they saw that Paul was able, and joyful while he was doing it!

7. Discuss: Paul said Christ was being preached by some from good motives and some people were doing it with bad motives. Note: In most of Paul’s writings he denounces false teachers, and warns Christians to beware. In light of that, what point do you think Paul was trying to make? Cross-reference by reading Genesis 50:20 where Joseph is speaking to his brothers. Can we make any application from this for today?

“Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.” Philippians 1:15-18

From the Life Application Bible Commentary:

“Paul had an amazingly selfless attitude. He knew that some were preaching to build their own reputations, taking advantage of Paul’s imprisonment to try to make a name for themselves. Regardless of the motives of these preachers, Paul rejoiced that the Gospel was being preached. Some Christian serve for the wrong reasons. Paul wouldn’t condone, nor does God excuse, their wrong motives, but we should be glad if God uses their message, regardless of their motives.”

God can use all things for good, even bad intentions. Genesis 50:20 teaches us this when Joseph tells his brothers: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Read Joseph’s story found in Genesis chapters 37-50 because this is a teaching, and example, of someone trusting God no matter the circumstances and no matter for how long.
There are many times in our lives where we want things to go a certain way, and they do not; but later we look back and see exactly why it was best the way it went – God uses all things for His ultimate good plan and purpose, we must pray to be in His will, and patiently trust Him.

8. What does Paul say in 1:21? What does he mean by this?

“according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.” Philippians 1:20-26

Paul says, in verse 21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Paul is saying that it would be better for him to die, and go on to be in the presence of the Lord – this is a personal motive, and it is one we should all ultimately desire.
Paul also knows that it is better for them, and those who have not yet heard the Gospel, for him to continue living in this earthly life – we should also remember that our time here is short, and thus we should share the Gospel message with as many as we can, in any way that we can.

9. What does Paul tell the Philippians about how to conduct themselves as Christians?

“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” Philippians 1:27-30

In a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ – be a good Ambassador and role model for Jesus.
To stand firm in one spirit and one mind, striving together for the faith of the Gospel – doing life and sharing the faith alongside other Christians because this will provide strength and support.
Be ready to suffer for Jesus, experiencing the same things Paul has experienced – know what we believe, and why, so that we are ready to suffer for the truth of the Gospel if necessary.

10. Memory verse: Re-visit and recite Philippians 1:9-10

“Philippians 1:9-10 (NASB)

^“9And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,” (NIV)

^“9I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. ¹⁰For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.” (NLT)

Choose a version you want to work with for memorization!

Please continue to join us as we read and study the Bible as part of our Christian Apologetics’ class each week!

Note: Class presentation, videos, reflections and Bible study questions are posted on the weekend – Bible study answers (like these) are posted mid-week.

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Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15