Andrew Rivers
L28689948
Summary of Philippians Essay
Chapter One
-Summary-
The first two verses of Philippians are quite straight-forward. They introduce the authors,
Paul and Timothy (though it was Paul who wrote it), as servants of Jesus Christ, and addresses
the recipients – all of God’s holy people (more specifically, the Church at Philippi), blessing
them with grace and peace.
Verses three through nine are a prayer of thanks to God. Here Paul is overjoyed by the
church because of their lasting partnership with him in the Gospel. He takes the time to tell them
that even though he is in prison, they are in his heart and he is desperate to see them. Before he
moves on, he stops and prays that they would be filled with love and wisdom so that they would
be able to tell what is right and what is wrong by God.
In verses twelve through twenty-six, Paul writes to the church on how he believes the
Gospel is being advanced because of his imprisonment. He states that because of his chains,
people dare to fearlessly step up and preach the Gospel. He notes that though there are those who
preach the Gospel out of evil intentions, most preach out of a will to forward the cause of
Christianity. Paul then states that he will not stop being thankful for his situation, though he is
imprisoned, because there will be deliverance for him. There is a moment where he is torn
between life and being able to spread the Good News, and death, being able to be with God in
heaven for eternity. He makes up his mind though, consenting to stay, knowing it will help the
church progress in their journey in the early faith.
Paul then, in verses twenty-seven through thirty, orders the church to live wholesome
lives worthy of the Gospel, that no matter what happens, they will keep their eyes on Him. He
states that God does not only want their lives to be content to believe in God, but to suffer for
Him also. Paul reminds the church that he is in constant suffering, and that they should be able to
go through such as well for the glory of God.
Chapter Two
The beginning of chapter two deals largely with how members of the church should act.
In verses one through eleven, humility is emphasized. Paul writes on how the church should be
unified in their humility and that they not be selfish and vain. He challenges them to have the
same mindset as Christ, not doing things for their own gain, but humbling themselves and
serving others, as Jesus did.
Andrew Rivers
L28689948
Being joyful in everything is stressed in verses twelve through eighteen. Here, Paul warns
the church against grumbling and complaining in their work, as their work is given to them by
God. He reminds them that they are to be a light to the world, and that being joyful in their work
will help them become blameless and pure, without the roots of complaint and annoyance in
them.
There is a sudden deviation in verses nineteen through thirty. Paul quickly changes
direction from his instruction for the behavior of the church and begins talking about Timothy
and Epaphroditus. He wishes greatly that Timothy be sent to them in the near future so that he
can hear about their progress. Timothy is praised for his service to Jesus Christ and his work.
However, Paul states that his brother, Epaphroditus, will be sent back, stating that he longs for
the church. Epaphroditus had been sick, and the church had been anxious, so Paul hopes that
seeing him well will help raise their spirits.
Chapter Three
Chapter three deals largely with issues of the soul and Christian life. Verses one through
fourteen remind the church to not focus on worldly feelings and possessions. Paul warns against
those who would try to tempt them and make them want for earthly things. He notes that any
worldly thing takes him away from God as they consume is attention and direct his efforts from
what is important. Paul writes to the church about his efforts against this, saying that though he is
not perfect, he has put all his efforts into straining toward what is ahead. He reminds them that it
is God who has called them, and that they should make all possible efforts to follow His calling.
Building off his last reminder, Paul writes in verses fifteen through twenty-one that the
church should strive to follow his example. He reminds them of his goal, to focus only on God,
and tells them that they should do the same. Noting that some people live their lives in
opposition to Christ, he reminds the church of the consequences: destruction and eternal
separation from God. However, after this reminder, Paul emphasizes that all of God’s children
will spend eternity in heaven, as long as they keep their eyes off of earthly things and focus on
what is important.
Chapter Four
Final reminders and words of thanks are given throughout the majority of chapter four. In
verses one through three Paul speaks fondly of the church, referring to them as the ones he loves,
and quickly reminds them to stay strong in the Lord. He wishes for everyone to be of the same
mind in the Lord, and asks them to care for Euodia and Syntyche, two women who fought with
him to forward the Gospel. There is also mention of Clement and references to other companions
of his who are steadfast believers.
Andrew Rivers
L28689948
Rejoicing and thanksgiving are once again brought up in verses four through nine. Here
Paul is stressing that the church constantly celebrate the greatness of God, that the world would
see their happiness and be convicted. He urges them to put all their fears on God and to rejoice in
what will do for them. The church is reminded of the peace and of the peace that God will give
them if they put their trust in Him alone. Paul also directs them to work at whatever is right and
noble, and constantly think of these good things, reminding them to do what he has done and to
follow his guidance.
Paul makes sure to thank the church for their gifts in verses ten through twenty. Before
diving straight into the praise, however, he takes a moment to admire their concern for him. He
stresses that he is not writing to get more help from them, but to simply thank them for what they
have given. After this, he openly thanks them for the aid and assistance that they have sent. He
recalls a time when he was in Thessalonica and the church sent him an abundance of aid, so
much that he had more than enough. Once again, he emphasizes that he is not trying to get more
from them, but that he is sincerely thankful for their support. Recognizing that their aid was
pleasing to God, Paul gives thanks to Him and offers all the Glory to God.
In the last three verses, twenty-one through twenty-three, a final greeting is given. Paul
asks that the church greet all their brothers and sisters in Christ and tells them that his friends
also send their greetings, especially the people of Caesar’s household. He ends the book with a
short prayer, asking that grace be upon the church and its people.
-Three Practical Applications of the Book of Philippians-
First Application
My first application comes out of verses twelve through twenty-six of chapter one where
Paul writes on how his chains and imprisonment are helping to advance the Gospel. I am
reminded that even in my suffering, God is using my situation to advance His Word. Often, I
forget that spreading the Word of God is my sole purpose on the earth, and I focus more attention
on worldly things, as Paul warns against in chapter three. My application is to take some more
time studying this chapter of Philippians and apply it to my life as a reminder to focus on God,
even in my trials.
Second Application
My second application is based largely around chapter two, verses twelve through
eighteen, in which Paul reminds the church to do all things without grumbling and complaining.
I would consider myself to be one who does not complain much when doing things, but I know
that I am far from perfect. Often times, when I get homework that I was not expecting, or have to
Andrew Rivers
L28689948
work on days that I am especially tired, I will find myself complaining. To apply these verses to
my life, I will take heed of the times that I begin to complain, and compare my life to what Paul
is warning against in this chapter. I know that because of humanity’s sinful nature, we all deserve
to go to hell, separated from God for eternity, but it is by His sacrifice that we have a second
chance. I will be happy to be living the life that I am, no matter how hard it may be, knowing that
God has saved me from a much worse alternative.
Third Application
My third application is written about in verses one through fourteen of chapter three,
which is Paul warning to the church against things of the flesh and earthly possessions. I know
that I have a lot of worldly goals and desires in my life that I need to get rid of, and meditating
on these verses will be very beneficial to me. I need to reevaluate my goals in life using these
verses as a guide and remind myself that though my time on earth may seem important, is will be
a mere fraction of the eternity that I will be living, either in Heaven or in Hell.
