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Philippians

Philippians is a book in the New Testament, an epistle traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle and possibly written with the help of Timothy. It is addressed to the Christian community in Philippi, a Macedonian city founded by Philip II of Macedon. Most scholars date the letter to Paul’s imprisonment, often identified with his first Roman imprisonment, around 60–62 CE. The letter thanks the Philippians for their support and encouragements, while exhorting them to live in unity and joy in the gospel.

Its central themes include partnership in the gospel, joy in the midst of suffering, and humility modeled

Philippians has four chapters and flows from greeting to thanksgiving, then to exhortations, a brief defense

Canonically, Philippians is considered a genuine Pauline letter by most scholars and a standard part of the

on
Jesus.
The
Christ
hymn
in
2:6–11
presents
Christ’s
self-emptying
and
exaltation
as
a
pattern
for
believers.
Other
notable
emphases
are
ethical
exhortations
to
live
worthy
of
the
gospel,
to
imitate
faithful
leaders
such
as
Timothy
and
Epaphroditus,
and
to
remain
steadfast
under
opposition.
of
the
gospel
against
opponents,
and
closing
personal
notes
and
greetings.
In
early
Christianity
it
was
valued
for
its
practical
ethics,
its
exhortation
to
generosity,
and
its
optimistic
tone
regarding
the
progress
of
the
gospel.
New
Testament.
Its
influence
extends
in
Christian
theology
and
devotion,
particularly
its
themes
of
joy,
unity,
humility,
and
divine
empowerment.