Philippians Bible Study

    Rejoice in the Lord: The Letter to the Philippians

CHAPTER ONE: Joy in Unlikely Circumstances

 

Acts 16: The Christian faith comes to Philippi

Paul's letter to the Philippians is traditionally regarded as one of his Prison Epistles, written in Rome (58—60 A.D.).

CHAPTER ONE

1:1    The word "servant" and "slave" are interchangeable in the New Testament (doulos); Christians are glad to have God as their Master.

    The term "saints" is, in the Greek, hagioi, literally, "the holy ones."

    The word for overseer can also mean "guardian" (Greek: episkopoi) and is usually associated with the pastoral office in the early Church. Deacons (diakonoi) also serve the Church through works of mercy; this is the root for "deaconess" as well.

 

FOR DISCUSSION: Paul expresses great thankfulness for his "partnership in the gospel" with the Philippians. In your opinion, what does a healthy "partnership in the gospel" look like?

 

1:6    According to Paul, who is responsible for bringing good works to completion in believers? How can this be of comfort to us?

1:7    Paul hints at his situation here, a surprising context from which to write about joy in the Lord.

 

FOR DISCUSSION: Paul's prayer for the Philippians in vv. 9—11 applies to us and all Christians. What are the qualities he prays for in us? How can we pursue these characteristics?

 

1: 12—18     Being imprisoned would normally be thought of as a negative experience. Is that Paul's opinion? Why or why not? What is Paul's "bottom line"?

1: 19—26    Paul is brought face to face with his own mortality through his imprisonment and trial. As he reflects on his situation, he describes a certain tension that may be familiar to you as a Christian. His desire is to "depart and be with Christ" which is "far better." Yet he realizes there is a further purpose to his life, wrapped up in giving glory to Christ.

 

FOR DISCUSSION: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." If we adopt Paul's mindset—and we should—what will that mean for us?

 

1: 29—30     What is "suffering for [Jesus'] sake"? Take a look at the "conflict" Paul references in Acts 16: 16—24.