Philippians

Philippi, the chief city of Macedonia (Acts 16:1212And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. (Acts 16:12)), was the first European city visited by Paul. He passed through Philippi on both his second and third missionary journeys. Paul’s epistle to the Philippians was written at a later date from prison in Rome.
Previous epistles of Paul—Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and Ephesians—take up doctrinal or moral issues. Here, the subject matter is very different, for it considers the Christian experience. It reminds us of Joseph’s exhortation to his brethren: “So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way” (Gen. 45:2424So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way. (Genesis 45:24)).
The word “sin” never appears. Salvation, when mentioned, is not the salvation of the soul, nor is it merely deliverance from circumstances, for glory is always its end. Salvation is spoken of as the full result in glory (for example, Phil. 1:1919For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (Philippians 1:19)). We are seen journeying through the wilderness, through a world unchanged, but we are changed. We have no home here, for we are pressing toward the mark “for the prize of the calling on high of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:1414I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) JND). Consistent with this, the name of Jesus is peculiarly associated with this epistle, and the title “Jesus Christ” occurs throughout. He is our example.
Christ our Life—Chapter 1
Paul does not use the title “Apostle” in his address to the Philippians, but rather “bondmen of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:1 JnD). The Philippian saints were dear to him. They were partakers in the gospel, “from the first day unto now” (Phil. 1:55For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; (Philippians 1:5)). At times we know that this fellowship had taken the form of practical gifts. Though they had lacked opportunity, they once again flourished in their care for him and had sent a gift by the hand of Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25; 4:1025Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. (Philippians 2:25)
10But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. (Philippians 4:10)).
Through their prayer and the abundant supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this would be to his salvation. As to what form his release from bonds would take, either life or death, it didn’t matter. “Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:20-2120According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:20‑21)). Christ is our life.
Christ our Pattern—Chapter 2
To complete his joy, Paul exhorts them to be “likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind,  ... Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:2, 52Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Philippians 2:2)
5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:5)). He was the Perfect Servant and our perfect pattern.
Christ our Object—Chapter 3
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 3:11Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. (Philippians 3:1)). Circumstances seem to get us down, but if our eye is on the Lord, we can still rejoice. Paul had every cause to be discouraged, yet joy and rejoicing are ever-present themes throughout this epistle.
There is nothing in this scene for us. Though Paul could have boasted of his earthly credentials, he counted them as nothing (Phil. 3:88Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Philippians 3:8)). To reach Christ in glory was the goal before him. Paul had not attained, neither was he perfected (Phil. 3:1212Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12)). Here he anticipates that day when his body of humiliation would be fashioned like unto His glorious body (Phil. 3:22Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. (Philippians 3:2)1 JnD). Paul was in this race that he might apprehend, seeing that he had been taken possession of by Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:11Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. (Philippians 3:1)2 JnD). “I pursue, [looking] towards [the] goal, for the prize of the calling on high of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:1414I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) JND). Christ is our object.
Christ our Strength—Chapter 4
Paul had learned to be content no matter what the circumstances were: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:1313I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)). Christ is our strength. Paul the prisoner had learned something of the riches of the One he served: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:1919But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)).