Epistle to the Philippians facts for kids

The Letter to the Philippians is a short book found in the New Testament part of the Bible. It's a letter written by Saint Paul to the Christian church in a city called Philippi. This city was in a region called Macedonia, which is part of modern-day Greece. Paul wrote this letter while he was in jail because he was sharing the message about Jesus.

Who Wrote This Letter?

Most people agree that Paul wrote the Letter to the Philippians. Some experts think it was one single letter. Others believe it might be three different letters put together into one book.

This letter was written in Greek. It was likely written around 50 to 60 A.D.

What's Inside the Letter?

The Letter to the Philippians shares many important messages from Paul. He wrote it to encourage the Christians in Philippi.

Paul's Situation and Message

In the first two chapters, Paul tells the Philippians about his situation. He was about to go on trial in Rome. Even though he faced possible death, he said he was not afraid.^{[Phil 1:18b–26]}

Paul encouraged his readers to be happy no matter what happened.^{[Phil 2:14–18]} He even said that being in jail was helping to spread the Christian message. It wasn't stopping it at all.^{[Phil 1:12–15]}

Epaphroditus's Visit

Paul also mentions a man named Epaphroditus. He was a very hard worker and a hero. The church in Philippi had sent Epaphroditus to visit Paul. He also brought Paul some gifts.^{[Phil 2:25–30]}

During his visit, Epaphroditus became very sick.^{[Phil 2:26–27]} Luckily, he got better. Paul then sent him back to the Philippians.

Faith Over Rules

In Chapter 3, Paul warns the Philippians about certain Christians. These people believed that following old religious rules was needed to be saved. Paul explained that he used to follow these rules very strictly.

But now, he said those rules were not important compared to the good news of Jesus. He taught that being right with God comes from having faith in Jesus. It does not come from keeping religious laws.^{[Phil 3:2–10]}

Getting Along and Thanking Gifts

In Chapter 4, Paul tells the Philippians to get along with each other.^{[Phil 4:2–3]} At the end of the letter, Paul thanks the Philippians for the gifts they sent him. He tells them that God will bless them for their kindness.^{[Phil 4:15–20]}

Paul seemed happy and hopeful in his letter. He thought he would get out of jail. He said he would send his friend Timothy to help the Philippians.^{[Phil 2:19–23]} Paul also hoped to visit them himself.^[Phil 2:24]

The Christ Poem

Chapter 2 of the letter has a famous poem. This poem talks about who Christ is and what he did to save people. Paul says that we should follow Jesus's example of serving others humbly.

Who, though he was in the form of God,

Did not regard being equal with God

Something to be grasped after.

But he emptied himself

Taking on the form of a slave,

And coming in the likeness of humans.

And being found in appearance as a human

He humbled himself

Becoming obedient unto death— even death on a cross.

Therefore God highly exalted him

And bestowed on him the name

That is above every name,

That at the name of Jesus

Every knee should bow

Of those in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth.

And every tongue should confess

That Jesus Christ is Lord

To the glory of God the Father.

—Philippians 2:5-11, translated by Bart D. Ehrman

Experts believe this poem was written very early in Christian history. It might have been written even before Paul's letters. This poem is important because it shows that early Christians believed Jesus was like God. They believed he chose to become human to save people.

See also

In Spanish: Epístola a los filipenses para niños