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Author: Paul the Apostle
Original Readers: the church in Philippi
Date Written: c. AD 60-62
Written From: Prison in Rome
Key Verse: 2:5-8
Major Themes: Humility, Joy, Suffering, Unity
There’s no better way to understand the literary context than carefully observing what is said.
In light of both the literary and historical context, what was the original intended meaning of this passage?
In order for us to grow and mature more into Christ’s likeness, we must apply the truths we discover in our lives.
* HELPFUL NOTES
1:6 — The Old Testament often refers to a future ‘Day of the Lord’. Here, Paul substitutes this phrase for the ‘Day of Jesus Christ’ showing that Jesus is divine.
* HELPFUL NOTES
Because of the rhythmic nature of this passage (when spoken in Greek), most scholars think that Paul is quoting an early Christian hymn about Jesus here. It is possible that to this hymn, Paul added the last line in verse 8, “even death on a cross”.
2:10 seems to be a reference to something God said about Himself in Isaiah 45:23.
* HELPFUL NOTES
3:2 — Paul warns of the ‘dogs’, ‘evildoers’, and ‘those who mutilate the flesh’. Many scholars believe that Paul has one group in mind when he is writing this warning, known as Judaizers. These Judaizers were also a big part of the background to the book of Galatians. They taught that for Gentile Christians to become followers of Jesus, they must first convert to Judaism. To them a big part of the conversion experience included the rite of circumcision.
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The Bible Effect is a ministry of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) International.