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Book 50 of 66 · New Testament

Philippians

A warm thank-you letter written from prison — the letter of joy.

4 chapters104 versesWritten in GreekSet To the church in Philippi

Overview

Philippians is Paul's warmest letter, written from prison to a church he loved and that had supported him. Though chained, he writes about joy — the word runs through it again and again. He thanks them for their gift, urges unity and humility after the pattern of Christ, and presses on toward the goal, "rejoicing in the Lord always."

Book facts

Author
PaulWritten by the apostle Paul from prison, to a beloved church.
Date written
c. AD 61Written from prison, likely in Rome.
Original language
GreekWarm and affectionate.
Setting
To the church in PhilippiThanking them for a gift and urging joy.

How it came to be

Philippians was written by the apostle Paul, in prison. He writes to thank the Philippians for a gift they had sent, carried by Epaphroditus.

Despite his chains, joy is the letter's keynote.

What is arguedWhere Paul was imprisoned when he wrote it — Rome, or an earlier imprisonment — which affects its date.

The whole book, chapter by chapter

ChapterWhat this chapter covers
The letter of joy — joy, humility, and contentment in Christ, chapters 1–4
Chapter 1The chains and the gospelPaul's imprisonment has actually advanced the gospel; "to live is Christ."
Chapter 2The mind of ChristHave the mind of Christ, who humbled himself; "every knee shall bow."
Chapter 3The prizePaul counts all things as loss for Christ, and presses toward the prize.
Chapter 4The peace of GodRejoice always; the peace of God, and contentment "in whatsoever state."

All 4 chapters. Start reading →

Worth knowing

Key people

The apostle who wrote the letter.

Key places

Written to the church in Philippi.

Known for

Some of the best-known verses in Philippians — tap the verse to read it.