50) The Book of Philippians

PHILIPPIANS is complimentary to the epistle to Ephesians because it is primarily about the practical outcome of salvation, sanctification, and service. The practical experiences are inner joy and peace. The theme of the letter is rejoicing in the Lord. Paul experienced this inner joy and peace in life and in a Roman jail (4:11). Happiness is not found through the pleasures of the world; it is a by-product of an heavenly, holy, honest, and humble mind of a true servant. One's love for the Lord Jesus produces inner joy and peace (Ps. 119:165; Phil. 4:4-9).

The church of Philippi was founded on Paul's second missionary journey (Acts 16:12). The purpose of the letter was an expression of gratitude for the gift of the Philippians (4:15-19). The Philippians expressed their gratitude to Paul for his spiritual instruction through a special gift. The Lord God views this gratitude as a sweet sacrifice to God (Heb. 13:15-16). The letter contains 4 chapters and 104 verses.