Philippians is book 11 of the 27 books of the New Testament and belongs to the Paul's Letters section. See how it fits with the rest in our guide to all 66 books of the Bible.
Quick facts
- Section
- New Testament · Paul's Letters
- Genre
- Letter (epistle): friendship and encouragement
- Author (traditional)
- The apostle Paul, writing with Timothy (1:1).
- Other views on authorship
- Paul's authorship is universally accepted; some suggest the letter may join two or three shorter notes, but many read it as one.
- Date (traditional)
- About AD 61–62, during Paul's house arrest in Rome.
- Other views on dating
- Rome around AD 60–62 is common, though some place it earlier, during an imprisonment in Ephesus around AD 54–55.
- Chapters
- 4
- Verses
- 104
- Reading time
- About 11 minutes (2,157 words in the BSB)
What is Philippians about?
Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia and the first city in Europe where Paul planted a church (Acts 16). There Lydia believed, a slave girl was set free, and a jailer was converted after an earthquake. This church supported Paul faithfully, and when they heard he was in prison they sent Epaphroditus with a gift. This letter is Paul's warm thank-you.
Though in chains and facing possible death, Paul is full of joy. His imprisonment has advanced the gospel, and for him to live is Christ and to die is gain. He urges the Philippians to stand together and to think of others before themselves, and he quotes or composes a beautiful hymn about Christ, who emptied himself, took the form of a servant, died on a cross, and was highly exalted by God.
In chapter 3 Paul warns against those who put confidence in circumcision and religious credentials; he counts his own impressive record as loss compared with knowing Christ. Chapter 4 brings practical wisdom: settle disagreements, rejoice always, bring every worry to God in prayer, think on what is true and lovely, and learn contentment in plenty or need.
Outline of Philippians
| ChaptersCh. | Section |
|---|---|
| 1 | Partnership and perspective Thanksgiving, prayer, and Paul's view of his imprisonment and life. |
| 2 | The mind of Christ Humility, the Christ hymn, and the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus. |
| 3 | Knowing Christ Warnings against legalism and Paul's pressing on toward the goal. |
| 4 | Joy, peace and contentment Unity, prayer instead of anxiety, and thanks for the gift. |
Key themes
- Joy. Joy and rejoicing appear again and again in this short letter, rooted not in circumstances but in the Lord.
- Humility after Christ's pattern. Chapter 2 holds up Jesus' self-giving descent to the cross as the model for how believers treat each other.
- Partnership in the gospel. The Philippians share in Paul's mission through prayer, giving and suffering — a picture of real Christian fellowship.
- Knowing Christ above all. Paul counts his achievements as nothing beside knowing Christ and the power of his resurrection.
- Contentment and peace. Prayer with thanksgiving brings a peace beyond understanding, and Christ gives strength to face any situation.
Key people and places
- Paul — Author, writing from prison.
- Timothy — Co-sender, praised for genuine care.
- Epaphroditus — Brought the Philippians' gift and nearly died of illness.
- Euodia and Syntyche — Two women co-workers urged to agree in the Lord.
Places: Philippi, Rome, Macedonia, Thessalonica.
Key verses in Philippians
Quoted from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross.”
“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.”
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
How Philippians fits the big story
Philippians shows the pattern at the heart of the Bible — humility before exaltation — fulfilled in Jesus. The Christ hymn of chapter 2 echoes Isaiah 45, where every knee bows to the Lord, and applies it to Jesus. The church at Philippi was born in the events of Acts 16, and the letter shows how that young community matured. It sits alongside Ephesians and Colossians among Paul's prison letters. Its best-known line is explored on our page for Philippians 4:13, which is about contentment rather than limitless achievement.
How to read Philippians
At 4 chapters a day you can read Philippians in 1 day — in one sitting. Count how many times joy or rejoicing appears as you read, and remember Paul is writing in chains. Read Acts 16 first to meet the church he is writing to.