Philippians

Definition and Meaning

Philippians is one of the Pauline epistles in the New Testament. It is a letter sent in the names of Paul and Timothy to the saints of the church at Philippi, "with the bishops and deacons" (Philippians 1:1). Because Paul wrote it while in custody, it is grouped with Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon as one of the "Prison Epistles" (letters written from prison).

Biblical and Historical Background

Philippi was a Roman colony in the region of Macedonia. According to Acts 16, during his second missionary journey Paul preached the gospel there to Lydia, a seller of purple cloth, and to the household of the jailer. This church is known as the first church established on European soil. The Philippian church sent a gift to Paul through Epaphroditus, and the letter expresses Paul's gratitude for it (Philippians 4:18).

The place of writing is traditionally held to be a prison in Rome, but some scholars propose Ephesus or Caesarea, and the question remains unresolved. Philippians 2:6-11 is a passage that celebrates in hymnic form how Christ emptied himself, became human, was obedient unto death on the cross, and was then exalted. Known as the "Christ Hymn," it serves as a key text for discussions of the Incarnation and Christology.

Use in the Korean Church

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13) is one of the most frequently quoted verses in the Korean church. It is often used to encourage those facing university entrance examinations or new business ventures, and it frequently serves as a church motto. At the same time, some within the church point out that because the preceding verses (4:11-12) speak of learning contentment in both poverty and abundance, reading this verse as a promise of success departs from its original meaning. "Rejoice in the Lord alway" (4:4) and "I press toward the mark" (3:14) are also widely used as memory verses and New Year mottos.

In churches that follow a lectionary (a list of readings arranged according to the church year), Philippians 2:5-11 is read on Palm Sunday.

Philippians 2:12-13 ("work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you") is read with differing emphases depending on denominational tradition.

• The Calvinist tradition, including Presbyterians, places weight on verse 13 and holds that sanctification (the process of being made holy) is likewise accomplished by God's grace.
• The Wesleyan tradition, including Methodists and Holiness churches, tends to emphasize the human response to and cooperation with grace as well.