Source edition
The New Testament in the original Greek. Westcott, Brooke Foss; Hort, Fenton John Anthony, editors. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1882-1892.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a letter filled with joy and gratitude, sent by the Apostle Paul from prison to the Christian community in Philippi. Paul begins by reporting that his imprisonment has actually served to advance the gospel, expressing his determination to exalt Christ whether by life or by death, and urging the believers to stand firm in unity. He then presents the self-emptying humility of Christ as the ultimate model, encouraging the community to maintain harmony through mutual love and lowliness of mind. Furthermore, warning against legalistic teachers, Paul shares how he considers all his past privileges as loss for the sake of the surpassing value of knowing Christ, urging them to press on toward the heavenly prize as citizens of heaven. Finally, he encourages them to rejoice and find peace in all circumstances, expresses heartfelt gratitude for the financial support sent by the Philippians, and concludes with final greetings and blessings.