NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible | Page 9

F E AT U R E S
INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPIANS | 2129
PHILIPPI AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Black Sea
Philippi
Bithynia
AS
Troas
IA
Ephesus
Corinth
Iconium
0
Laodicea
Colossae
0
Ga
Antioch
(Pisidian)
ia
Athens
Mys
Lystra
Derbe
50 km.
50 mi.
word “gospel” appears 10 times: 1:5,7,12,14,16,27 [twice]; 2:22; 4:3,15; cf. also “the word of life” [2:16]).
Paul also gives unity and the humility needed to foster such unity considerable attention (1:27 — 2:4).
He stresses that justification is freely given by the words of God, through faith in Christ not the law
(3:9). The letter is not primarily doctrinal; it also focuses on knowing Christ (3:8 – 11); “joy” (1:4,25;
2:2,29; 4:1) and “gladness/rejoicing” (1:18 [twice]; 2:17 – 18 [4 times]; 3:1; 4:4 [twice]; 4:10) are promi-
nent, appearing 15 times in this short letter.
Medite r ran ea n
Se a
OUTLINE
I. Introduction (1:1 – 11)
A. Opening Greeting (1:1 – 2)
B. Thanksgiving (1:3 – 8)
C. Prayer (1:9 – 11)
II. Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel (1:12 – 26)
A. The Results of Paul’s Imprisonment (1:12 – 14)
B. Paul’s Rivals (1:15 – 18)
C. Paul’s Confidence in Death and Life (1:19 – 26)
III. Unity and Humility (1:27 — 2:18)
A. Life Worthy of the Gospel (1:27 – 30)
B. Imitating Christ’s Humility (2:1 – 11)
C. Do Everything Without Grumbling (2:12 – 18)
IV. Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19 – 30)
V. Enemies of the Cross and Citizens of Heaven (3:1 — 4:3)
A. No Confidence in the Flesh (3:1 – 14)
B. Following Paul’s Example (3:15 – 21)
C. Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity (4:1 – 3)
VI. Conclusions (4:4 – 23)
A. Final Exhortations (4:4 – 9)
B. Thanks for Their Gifts (4:10 – 20)
C. Final Greetings (4:21 – 23)
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