Philippains 1:1-11

PHILIPPIANS (1:1-11)

Neither I nor anyone like me can keep pace with the wisdom of the blessed and glorious Paul, who, when he was among you in the presence of the men of that time, accurately and reliably taught the word concerning the truth. And when he was absent he wrote you letters; if you study them carefully, you will be able to build yourself up in the faith that has been given to you
~ Polycarp (early 2nd century)



1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

This letter alone describes Paul as merely a servant
This letter may be the last Paul ever wrote to a church
This church may have been the first in Europe
This church receives a very positive letter from Paul



3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Paul prayed with joy and confidence (3-6)
Paul was led to Philippi by special revelation (Acts 16:9)
A woman (Lydia) was the 1st convert (Acts 16:14)
Paul was jailed in Philippi by the Romans (Acts 16:24)
A jailer was the 2nd recorded convert (Acts 16:34)



9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians
That their love would be wide (9)
That their love would be deep (9)
That their love would be wise (10)
That their love would be pure (10)
That their love would be seed (11)