INTRODUCTION

Philippi was named after Philip of Macedon, the father of Alexander the great. In Paul's day it was a proud Roman colony, enjoying self-government, free of taxation, and citizenship alike to living in Rome itself. The city was important as a principal stop on the great highway, whether traders were going east or west they would come to Philippi. At that time its location made it the gateway to Europe, therefore it was a strategic place for the spread of the gospel. Paul and His pioneer team came to Philippi by specific guidance of the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6-10 ).

This is one of the prison epistles of Paul, written from Rome where he was awaiting a hearing before Nero because of his witness for Christ. (Acts 28 ). In support of this view we have Paul's reference to the "the whole palace guard" (Philippians 1:13 ), and his sending greetings from "Caesar's household" (Philippians 4:22 ), also Paul's description of his confinement. The most popular date for the writing of the Epistle is held to be 61 A.D. For the story of the founding of the Philippian church read Acts 16. First church in Europe. Paul wrote to a church that had experienced joyous growth - and which had an established leadership of overseers, and deacons. It was a church that with love supported the apostle Paul (Philippians 4:16-18 ). They helped him during his ministry in Thessalonica and while in Corinth. (2 Corinthians 11:9 ). Epaphroditus brought another love gift to Rome, to the Lord's prisoner. Epaphroditus nearly died, but recovered (Philippians 2:25-30; 4:18 ). Then was sent back to Philippi with Paul's Thank You letter which was evidently inspired by the Holy Spirit, and is received as the Word of God.

James M. Gray, in his excellent "Christian Workers Commentary" (Copyright 1953 by Fleming H. Revell Company), reminds us that "the Epistle has sometimes been called the Epistle of Christian conduct rather than doctrine, and yet there is doctrine in it too, precious and important".

Bible teachers agree that one of the most important doctrinal passages in the New Testament is Philippians 2:5-8, in which Paul presents the doctrine of Kenosis - the self-humiliating, or self-emptying, of Christ.

The Philippian letter contains wonderful teaching on the deity and perfect humanity of Jesus Christ - His equality in the Godhead (Philippians 2:6. Compare John 10:30 ). His voluntary humiliation was for the purpose of the death on the cross, for our salvation. (Philippians 2:8 ). Always in the Philippian teaching there is personal application that our conduct reveal the greatness of the Good News we have been given in Christ.

	It is a letter that expresses tenderness, kindness, commendation and thankfulness.
	Its language is that of a father and a loving friend, in contrast to other epistles of apostolic authority, severity or reproof.
	It centres on encouraging a victorious Christlike lifestyle.
	It pleads for a self-humbling that reveals the disposition of Christ (Philippians 2:1-5 ).
	It urges pressing on to the prize and goal of what God has called to in Christ (Philippians 3:13-14 ).
	It gives the key to lock out life's stress and anxiety (Philippians 4:6 ).
	It nullifies the negative "I cannot" with the positive "I can" through the strengthening Christ.
	It uses profound doctrine for practical happy, serving (Philippians 2;5-11 )
	It highlights the word "joy", using it in its various forms some 16 times.
	It shares the secrets of a happy fellowship, that in the intention of God should be the norm for church life.