Knowra Epistle to the Philippians Epistle to the Philippians A New Testament letter attributed to Paul and addressed to the Christian community in Philippi. It combines expressions of affection and thanksgiving with counsel on unity, humility, perseverance, and joy.
Paul the Apostle : An early Christian missionary and letter writer whose teachings shaped the New Testament. The letter presents Paul as its author and describes his imprisonment and ministry.
Koinonia : A Greek term for fellowship, participation, or sharing in a common undertaking. Paul describes the Philippians’ partnership in the gospel as a defining bond.
Prison epistles : The New Testament letters traditionally associated with Paul’s imprisonment: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Philippians is commonly grouped with letters written during Paul’s captivity.
Christian humility : A Christian virtue expressed through modest self-estimation and service to others. Philippians 2 presents humility as the pattern for relationships within the community.
Epistle to the Galatians : A New Testament letter attributed to Paul that argues against requiring Gentile Christians to adopt circumcision and the Mosaic law. Galatians has a confrontational tone, unlike Philippians’ predominantly affectionate appeals.
Philippi : An ancient Macedonian city that became a Roman colony and an early center of Christianity. The letter addresses the Christian community in this Roman colony.
Kenosis : The theological idea of self-emptying, drawn especially from Philippians 2:7. The Christ passage grounds the letter’s appeal to humility in Christ’s self-lowering.
Acts 16 : A New Testament chapter recounting Paul’s mission in Philippi, including the jailer’s conversion. Its account supplies the narrative background for the community addressed in Philippians.
Christian perseverance : Steadfast continuation in faith and moral commitment despite hardship or opposition. Paul urges continued faithfulness amid suffering, conflict, and uncertainty.
First Epistle to the Corinthians : A New Testament letter attributed to Paul addressing divisions and other problems in the Corinthian church. Both address community conduct, but Philippians emphasizes partnership and encouragement more than correction.
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