1. AUTHOR. — Paul.

2. DATE. — During Paul's imprisonment at Rome, probably about 63 A. D.

3. TO WHOM WRITTEN. — To the Christians at Philippi, the bishops (pastors) and deacons being especially mentioned, the church having been founded by Paul on his second missionary journey.

4. HISTORICAL OCCASION. — Paul being imprisoned at Rome, the Philippians had sent to him a contribution by Epaphroditus, and the latter had been detained by an illness. After his recovery, Paul sent by him this letter in which he acknowledges their generous gift.

5. LEADING TOPICS. — Paul rejoices in their faith, and praises them for their Christian graces; he urges them to follow the example of Christ in a supreme devotion to the cause of others. A large part of the Epistle is concerned with personal matters.

6. CHIEF PURPOSE. — To show that those who are Christians should manifest a character like Christ's, who in his humility and self-abnegation gave himself for others.

7. GENERAL ANALYSIS.

(a) Personal matters, Ch, 1:1–26.

(b) Exhortation to Christ-like virtues, Ch. 1:27-2:18.

(c) Personal matters, Ch. 2:19–30.

(d) Warning against erroneous teaching, Ch. 3.

(e) Exhortation to right conduct, Ch. 4:1-9.

(f) Thanks for gifts, and conclusion, Ch. 4:10–23.

8. SPECIAL TEACHING OF THE BOOK. — The Christian's life is simply for Christ; Christ humbled himself and was exalted; all of Paul's other acquisitions were nothing compared to Christ; the Christian should grow in grace.

9. RELATION TO OTHER N. T. BOOKS. — Else where it is shown how one may become a Christian, and what relations he sustains; here his chief characteristic is given.

10. TOPICS FOR SPECIAL STUDY. — The history of the church at Philippi; the state of Paul while in prison.