HOMI 500
Research Questions Template
Text: Philippians 1:1-30
The purpose of this exercise is to ask questions for
the best research to understand and communicate the
text writer’s original message.
•
Work from your structural diagram of the text.
•
Look at your observation for questions to ask.
•
Number the questions and the answers you
find.
•
Complete questions before doing your research.
•
Skip questions that are irrelevant or not
answerable.
•
Document where you find your research.
Investigative Questions
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Why?
How?
Who are the authors? Paul and Timothy (v.1)
When did Paul write the letters? A.D. 54 and 621
Where was Paul when he wrote the letters? In Rome while in
prison.2
Why did Paul write to the Philippians? The people were facing
hardships, as Paul was. Also, he wanted to thank them for
supporting him. (v. 9-11).
What was Paul’s plan after prison? To return to the people of
Philippi so they could see Christ working through him, which
would give them more reasons to take pride in Christ. (v.26).
How did Paul stay so joyful against the odds? Through prayer
he knew that the people of Philippian share the favor of God with
him. (v.7).
Why were these letters important to the Church? Despite
Paul’s testing and the difficult encounters of the church, a
continuous note of joy is sounded throughout Paul’s letter.3
Why was Paul’s imprisonment an important reference? Even
though he was imprisoned he was able to convert sinners to
believers by speaking God’s message without fear. (v.14). This
shows that the Good News can be told to non-believers anywhere
and regardless of circumstances through the Holy Spirit.
Interpretative Question
Cross-references?
Context?
What other passages help to clarify the text of Paul’s letters
(cross reference)
a. V.3: Romans 1:8, Romans 1:9
b. V6: Psalms 138:8, 1 Cor 1:8
c. V8: Job 16:19, Romans 1:9, Galatians 3:26
d. V10: Romans 2:18
e. V11: Titus 3:14, James 3:18
f. V14: Acts 4:29, 2 Cor 3:12, 2 Timothy 2:9
g. V17: Romans 2:8
h. V28: John 16:8, 2 Thessalonians 1:5
i. V29: Matthew 5:11, Acts 14:22
j. V30: Acts 16:19 Colossians 1:29
What is the context of Paul’s writings? Paul gives thanks and
prayer for the Philippian Christians (v.1:3-11) and he strives to
1
David S. Dockery, Concise Bible Commentary, (Nashville, TN., B&H Publishing Group,
1998), 582
2
Ibid, 582
3
Ibid, 582
Literary genre?
Purpose?
Tone and Style?
Implications?
Significance?
expand the gospel (v.1:12-18). Paul tells us the importance of
rejoicing and showing joy and for the Philippian people and
believers to believe in God and they will be glorified.
What is the literary genre of Philippians? Paul’s letters could
be considered a unity with family. Paul cared about the people of
Philippi like they were family. He encouraged them despite their
trails they needed to stay focused on Christ and to following his
teachings.
What was the purpose of Paul’s letter? To thank the people for
their love and encouragement. He also wanted to let them know
that God was in control of their circumstances and his. Though he
was bound in prison, God was continuing to work through him.
He wanted them to be a unit of one and continue to have faith.
He also warned of false teachers and to not follow them but to
remain faithful to Christ.
What is the tone and style? Paul’s tone is encouraging but at the
same time is relaxing and sends out a positive vibe along with
being joyous. Since Paul was of Jewish descent, the letter would
have been written in a Jewish style.
What are the implications of the text? Paul wanted the people
to know that Christians will face persecution daily but by
centering their lives and our lives around Christ, they would fine
joy, harmony, grace and love through Christ.
What is the significance? That Christians around the world have
been and will continue to be persecuted for their beliefs and
following Christ. Even Jesus was persecuted and died for us and
his teachings. However, Paul’s letter is very inspiring and calls
for Christians to unity (v.1:27). Through Jesus Christ and Paul
through his letter showed the divine grace and humanity of Jesus
Christ.
Bibliography
Dockery, David S., Concise Bible Commentary, (Nashville, TN., B&H Publishing Group, 1998)
