OBC-PHIL-Intro & Syllabus

Philippians is one of the four "Prison epistles," the other three being Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon.

It was in Philippi that the Gospel was first preached in Europe in response to the Macedonian Call - "Come over and help us." Some have suggested that one or more of these epistles were written during the two years' imprisonment in Caesarea prior to coming to Rome where he was a prisoner for another two years (62-63 A.D.). All things considered there is more to support the view that the four were written during the Roman imprisonment, and it is quite evident from the statement regarding Caesar's household (Ph.4:22) that this epistle was written at Rome.

At this time Philippi was a Roman colony and a distinctively Roman city. When Paul and Silas were miraculously released from prison in that city he made use of his Roman citizenship and demanded that he be treated accordingly and this was granted him. The apostle was kindly treated by this church while in Rome. They sent him financial assistance by Epaphroditus. This earnest Christian devoted himself to the work of Christ in the world's capital. After recovering from a serious illness he decided t return to Philippi. Paul sent by him this letter in which he acknowledged the goodness of this church. It afforded him the opportunity of setting before them the things of Christ. From the epistle we gather that in this church was some spirit of vain-glorying, and a spirit of discord, and these this epistle was designed to correct.

Students:

Please copy the entire lesson. Skip a space between the question and your answer and make your answer a different color and/or boldness than the question. My remarks, if any, will appear in a different color.

Example: The city of Philippi being discussed is a city in what country?

ans.: The United States (wrong answer)

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