Philippi [called Felibedjik today] was the main city on the western part of Macedonia.
It took its name from a famous King of Macedonia [Philip 11 357 BC] who repaired it and made it an attractive city.
Paul was the one God called and used to plant the Church at Philippi. Paul was obedient to the call of God. He withTimothy travelled overland through Asia [now Turkey] to the town of Troas. [Acts 16:9] Paul had a vision of a man in Macedonia [Greece] “ And passing by Mysia came to Troas, and a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia and prayed him, saying Come over to Macedonia and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called for us to go and preach the gospel unto them.” Acts 16:8 –10.The result of this vision was Paul was given assurance by God and went to Philippi where there was a colony of Romans. Acts 16: 12 & 21.
They arrived in Philippi where the first European Christian a woman named Lydia was saved in a prayer meeting. It was in her house where the first house meeting in Europe was held. Acts 16:14. When God begins to work, we can be sure that satan will start his attack. Acts 16: 16 – 22. It is worth noting that although this young woman was demon possessed she spoke the truth. “ These men are the servants of the Most High God” Acts 16:17.
As a result of this Paul and Silas were thrown into prison, Acts 16:24 but this did not stop them singing and praising God. Acts 16:25 Through this testimony the Spirit of God made a wonderful change in the lives and family of the jailer. Acts 16:33i
So we see that it was out of this persecution, prison praising and prayers that the church at Philippi was brought into being and this letter to the Philippians was born in prison when Paul was incarcerated in Rome [AD 62]
Paul was imprisoned at least four times –

·	· Philippi Acts 16:23 –39

·	· Jerusalem Acts 21:33 – 23:35

·	· Ceasarea Acts 23:23 - 35

·	· Rome Acts 28:16 – 31

It is thought by some that he was inprisoned at Ephesus as well, although prison is not mentioned.: see 1 Cor. 15:32 / 2 Cor. 1:8 – 11.
Maybe the liberty that Paul enjoyed in Rome was because rather than prison he was under house arrest and so was able to delight in some fellowship. Rom. 16.
There were those who were close to him: Luke, Epaphroditus, Aristarchus, [Col. 4:10] Tychicus [Eph. 6:21] Epaphras and John Mark [Col. 1:7] and of course Demas [Philemon 24 / Col. 4:14] who was to desert Paul later on. [1 Tim. 4:10]
It seems to me that Paul made two visits to Philippi before he went to Rome. [2 Cor. 1:16 / Acts 19:21 to Acts 20:3. We do not read of the Philippian church any more until Paul writes this letter while captive in Rome. There is not much heard of the church afterward .
There does not seem to be any serious moral issue in the church and no doctrinal problem to rectify.
The church at Philippi had sent a gift by Epaphroditus [Phil. 2:25 / 4:14 –18] and when Epaphroditus reached Paul he suffered a severe illness which nearly cost him his life. [Phil. 2:26-28] When he had recovered and was ready to return to the church at Philippi, Paul sent this letter with him.
The love of Paul for the Philippians shines through this letter giving us a glimpse into the apostle’s heart and it appears that his predominant thoughts in this letter are joy. The theological teaching in this letter is it’s repetition of the main doctrines of faith. They are salvation by grace, spiritual victory in Christ, joy, peace, resurrection and translation.
Some simple facts to note.

·	· Note there is not one solitary Old Testament quotation in this letter.

·	· Note the recurrence of the word “mind” . [7 times]

·	· Note the generosity.

·	· Note the number of “all’s”. [26 times ]

·	· Note the word “joy” and “rejoice” are found in every chapter. [18 times in all]

Some simple chapter divisions

CH.1 THE HAPPY LIFE
CH.2 THE HUMBLE LIFE
CH.3 THE HEAVENLY MIND
CH.4 THE HOLY MIND

CH.1 CHRIST’S LIFE IN THE BELIEVER
CH.2 CHRIST’S MIND IN THE BELIEVER
CH.3 CHRIST’S PERFECTION IN THE BELIEVER
CH.4 CHRIST’S STRENGTH IN THE BELIEVER

CH.1 THE JOY OF CHRIST – OUR LIFE
CH.2 THE JOY OF CHRIST – OUR EXAMPLE
CH.3 THE JOY OF CHRIST – OUR GOAL
CH.4 THE JOY OF CHRIST – OUR SUFFICIANCY

·	A Pod of P’s

·	Our position “in Christ” Ch.1:1

·	. Our purpose “to live is Christ” Ch.1:21

·	. Our privilege “to preach Christ” Ch.1:15

·	. Our prize “to win Christ” Ch.3:8

·	. Our prospect “to be with Christ” Ch.1:23

·	. Our perfection “like Christ” Ch.3:21

Many of Paul's letters divide into fairly distinct sections on doctrine and life practice. Philippians, however, represents a mixture of doctrine and exhortation. Exhortations to rejoice. I know that I am not telling you anything new but we see very clearly that joy is a major characteristic of this book. Along with other related words such as REJOICE and GLAD. In many varied forms this theme occurs 2 times in this short letter. Along with JOY the other exhortation is to unity [Phil 2:1] True unity among believers is possible only through the Holy Spirit and involves a change of attitude, not merely of feelings. These two themes are the heart of this letter and are illustrated and exemplified in the lives of our Lord Jesus Christ [2:5-11] Timothy [2:19-24] Epaphroditus [2:25-30] and Paul [3:1-17] Philippians is one of Paul's most personal letters. The final chapter of this epistle is one of the great discourses of the doctrine of peace.
It compares with Psalm 23 in the Old Testament and with John 14 in the New Testament.
Paul was not warning the Philippian Christians of doctrinal error but he was concerned that they were having some relationship problems. Most churches and assemblies would say "Yes we know about them". There are those who work hard for the cause of Christ and yet have a broken relationships with others in the fellowship who are also committed to the work of God.
Now there is no need for things to remain the same.

There are two types of servants

:- Servants against one’s will [captives]

:- servant by one’s will [consent] Bought by Jesus Christ but willingly submitted.

V 1. In this verse we get a glimpse of what a servant should be and why he should serve.

“servants” Paul meaning “Small “; The man of service.

bondslaves Timothy meaning “Honour of God” ; The manner of service

“to all” They were servants to all the saints, not to a select few or some particular section of the church. It is something that needs to be remembered by ALL the servants of “Jesus Christ”.

“saints” A position of honour – Our holiness comes from Christ. A new creation – To practice what is professed.

V.2. “grace” This was a common Greek greeting. Simply explained “ receiving what we don’t deserve.”

“peace” This was a common Hebrew greeting. Simply explained “it would be felt when fellowship is restored” With God and also with man.

In verses 3 – 8. We see Paul’s Praise

9 – 11. We see Paul’s Prayer

12 – 20 We see Paul’s Preaching

21 – 26 We see Paul’s Purpose

V.3. ” I thank my God upon every remembrance of you”
my God This distinguishes him from all others, the nominal and fictitious gods of the Gentiles, and the idols and lusts of men's hearts; he was the God whom Paul served in the Gospel, by whom he was sent, and from whom he received all his possessions, and to whom he Paul was accountable
every remembrance Paul’s basis for thankfulness towards them was “REMEMBRANCE“ If we think then we thank”. When we remember our brothers and sisters do we instantly thank God for them.
Many is the time the only remembrance Christians have of brothers and sisters is when we speak behind their backs.
Dubai praying.

Paul had the saints: In His Memory v 3
In his Prayers v 4
In his Fellowship v 5
In his confidence v 6
In his Heart v 7

Every memory of them blessed him with joy.

v.4. Paul is continuously remembers all the saints at Philippi and he rejoices as he prays for them. The apostle was a praying believer, and a praying minister: notwithstanding all his gifts, and graces, and high attainments, he was not above the work and duty of prayer, and in which he was sensible he stood in need of the assistance and direction of the Spirit of God, As soon as he was converted he prayed, and continued to do so without ceasing, as he himself directs; he was constant and assiduous at the throne of grace,

v.5. Paul is thankful for the “fellowship in the gospel” shown by the saints at Philippi from the very first day until the present time. Their “fellowship in the gospel” from the beginning.

a. Fellowship is what we have in common. ie. Saviour, salvation, family, Father. etc:

b. Fellowship includes praying, witnessing, sharing, spiritual gifts etc:

They were supporting those who bore the message of the gospel as well as proclaiming it themselves

v.6. The Apostle is certain that it is“God that worketh in them” [2:13] and the good work that God started He will bring it to a conclusion. Paul says “until the day of Jesus Christ” v.6. God is the basis for Paul’s confidence.

v.7. “I have you in my heart” . Or as some translators have it “you have me in your heart.” But this would encourage us that there was a mutual love for each other. “Ye all are are partakers of my grace.” We have seen in the last five verses where Paul has the saints. V.3. In his memory, v.4. in his prayers, v.5 in his fellowship. v.6. in his confidence. v.7. in his heart.