What Is the Book of Philippians About? + a FREE Bible Study on Philippians

The book of Philippians is a short book of the Bible that is packed full of rich truths. What is the book of Philippians about? Learn what the book of Philippians is about and get a free Philippians Bible study today!

The book of Philippians is one of the Apostle Paul's letters (or an epistle) to Christians. The letter is addressed "To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons" (vv. 1) and was written while Paul was in prison. He was under house-arrest and watched by a guard (Acts 28:16-20). Paul was under arrest for sharing the good news of Christ. He greets the church for both himself and for Timothy. Timothy seemed to be there encouraging Paul and keeping him company while he waited to see what would come of his imprisonment (2:19-24), leading us to think that Timothy was staying nearby and visiting frequently. 

A major theme throughout this book of the Bible is, astonishingly, joy and rejoicing in the Lord. Paul makes it increasingly clear that despite his chains and despite his hardships, he trusts in the goodness of God and is thankful for the opportunities coming his way to share the gospel because of his chains.

"I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ." Phil. 1:12-13

Paul is joyful over the fact that even the guards who are keeping him imprisoned are hearing the gospel because of his chains. Paul's attitude is one that could only come through the peace of the Holy Spirit and it is ever-present throughout the entire book.

Important themes throughout the book of Philippians:

• Why Christ is our reason for living
• Trusting in God's plan for our suffering
• How Jesus is an example of humility to us (and how that should shape us)
• Why we should rejoice in the Lord
• What we should think about and what thoughts should be on our mind
• Our righteousness through faith
• Running the race of the Christian life
• The importance of biblical community with our brothers and sisters in Christ
• And more!

I told you, this little book packs quite the punch! 

Reading through Philippians is always so encouraging and convicting. It challenges me in my zeal and dedication for the Lord and encourages me through reminding me of who Christ is and how God works even the toughest situations for my good and his glory. It reminds me that just because things don't look "good" from a human perspective, doesn't mean that God isn't working in big ways.

FREE Philippians Bible Study!

Would you like a guided study to help you as you read through Philippians? A while back I was teaching a 4 week study of Philippians and I compiled my notes into a study that you can print and use for yourself. It's short and simple so that it will work for anyone's schedule, but the questions are designed to help you think through the text and add in a little bit of personal application as well.

Use it in your own personal quiet time or lead your own Bible study group with it. 

If you'd like to download my FREE Philippians study guide, click here!