Paul's Letter to the Philippians

Paul's Letter to the Philippians
by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.

Introduction | Outline | Themes | Questions | Bibliography

[still under construction]

Various Outlines of Paul's Letter to the Philippians:

Note: Many scholars theorize that the so-called "Letter to the Philippians" is actually a later compilation of three originally separate letters:

Phil A = Phil 4:10-20 (a short "Note of Thanksgiving" for monetary gifts Paul received from the Philippians)
Phil B = Phil 1:1 – 3:1; [4:2-9?]; 4:21-23 (a "Letter of Friendship" with thanks, news, and exhortations)
Phil C = Phil 3:2 – 4:1 [or to 4:3 or 4:9?] (a stern warning against the "dogs" who require the circumcision of Gentiles)

This possibility is sometimes reflected in the outlines suggested for this letter. First, here is my own structural outline of the letter as it now stands in the NT canon:

Letter Opening (1:1-11)
1. Sender & Recipients (1:1)
2. Formulaic Greeting (1:2)
3. Thanksgiving (1:3-11)
Letter Body (1:12—4:9)
1. The Spread of the Gospel (1:12-30)
2. Unity and Humility in the Christian Community (2:1—3:1)
3. Arguments against Circumcision (3:2—4:1)
4. An Appeal to Euodia & Syntyche (4:2-9)
Letter Conclusion (4:10-23)
1. Thanks for Gifts Received (4:10-20)
2. Individual Greetings (4:21-22)
3. Final Blessing (4:23)

Some Other Proposed Outlines:

Raymond Brown, An Introduction to the NT

Pheme Perkins, Reading the NT

Address/greeting and Thanksgiving (1:1-11)

Paul's situation in prison and attitude toward death (1:12-26)

Exhortation based on example of Christ (christological hymn; 1:27—2:16)

Paul's interest in the Philippians and planned missions to them (2:17—3:1a)

Warning against false teachers; Paul's own behavior (a separate letter?; 3:1b—41)

Exhortation to Euodia and Syntyche: unity, joy, higher things (4:2-9)

Paul's situation and the Philippians' generous gifts (4:10-20)

Concluding greeting, blessing (4:21-23)

Sections from other letters that have been used in Phil:

Note thanking the Philippians for their gifts, which Epaphroditus had just brought (4:10-20)
Letter warning the Philippians against the preaching of “Judaizing” missionaries (3:1—4:1)

Letter delivered by Timothy as Paul’s case is about to be decided:

Greeting (1:1-2)
Thanksgiving for the “partnership in the gospel” with the Philippians (1:3-11)
Paul’s situation: Whatever happens, it will advance the gospel (1:12-26)
Philippians’ situation: Continue to be “one of mind” in following Christ (1:27—2:18)
Timothy and Epaphroditus are to come to Philippi (2:19-30)
[Against Judaiziers]
Exhortation: Euodia and Syntyche are to be reconciled (4:2-3)
Exhortation: Rejoice and be at peace (4:4-9)
[Thank you for the gift]
Final greetings (4:21-23)

Major Themes:

Philippians as a "Letter of Friendship"

(coming soon)

Questions for Review and Discussion:

(coming soon)

For Further Reading and Study:

Brown, Raymond E. An Introduction to the New Testament. New York: Doubleday, 1997. - "Letter to the Philippians" (pp. 483-501).
Thurston, Bonnie B., and Judith Ryan. Philippians and Philemon. Sacra Pagina, 10. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 2005.
Hawthorne, Gerald F. Philippians. Word Bible Commentary. Dallas: Word, 1983.
Beare, Francis W. A Commentary on the Epistle to the Philippians. Black's New Testament Commentaries. San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1973.