Theme - The church in Philippi had been founded by Paul on his second missionary journey, and the work had been carried on after Paul's departure by Luke; Paul then joined Luke on his third missionary journey. Throughout all of Paul's trials and sufferings, the Philippian church was loyal and devoted to him, and it twice sent him contributions while he was at Thessalonica. Quite apparently, a gift was also sent to him while at Corinth.

We can, therefore, appreciate the fact that this is a letter rather than a treatise, that it is filled with tender affection and unfeigned joy. These elements are evident throughout the analysis which follows:

Outline - Paul's Thanksgiving and Prayer (1:1-12) II. Information Concerning Paul's Personal Circumstances (1:13-26) III. Exhortations to Unity, Humility, and Consistency (1:27-2:18) IV. The Apostle's Plan for the Future (2:19-30) V. Warnings Against Heresies of Judaism and Antinomianism (3:1-4:1) VI. An Appeal for Reconciliation (4:2-3) VII. An Exhortation to Rejoice and Pray (4:4-9) VIII. A Grateful Acknowledgment of the Gift Received (4:10-23)