Philippians Background

Philippi is located in northern Greece, within the Roman province of Macedonia. It was a Roman colony and the first stop in Europe during Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 16:12). Lydia was among the first believers baptized there (Acts 16:14-15). When Paul left, a church had likely already been established in Philippi (Acts 16:40), comprising both Jews and Gentiles. Paul shared a special affection with the Philippian believers, which is why this letter is very warm, full of pastoral care, yet marked by apostolic authority from beginning to end.

Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians are three letters Paul wrote to the churches while imprisoned, collectively known as the “Prison Epistles.” All three explicitly direct attention toward Christ. Ephesians reveals the church as the body of Christ, Colossians reveals Christ as the head of the church, and Philippians reveals the way the church lives out Christ’s testimony. The first two books articulate the basis for the church’s testimony to God, while Philippians illustrates the practical application of entering into God’s testimony.