PHILIPPIANS. Philippi, a chief city in Macedonia, N. of the Archipelago, was the scene of the last struggle of the Roman republic against despotism, where Brutus and Cassius, defeated by Augustus and Antony, committed suicide. Hence it became a Roman "colony," with full rights of citizenship, governed by Roman magistrates and laws,—Rome in miniature. The Jews were few, and had no synagogue, but were allowed a small chapel outside the gate, in a secluded spot by the river's bank. Here Paul and Silas converted Lydia, came into contact with heathen Paganism (the worship of evil spirits), were scourged and imprisoned, which led to the jailer's conversion, and the founding of a faithful Christian community.

The Epistle was written during Paul's first imprisonment at Rome (Acts xxviii.), in answer to expressions of sympathy, and a substantial gift sent by Epaphroditus, who had a dangerous illness at Rome. It is a letter of grateful affection mingled with personal sorrow; of joy on their behalf, of gloom at the ingratitude of others; of anxiety also as to his own future, caused probably by the increased rigour of his incarceration.

Summary. I. Prayer for their advancement in grace (i. 1–12). II. Effects of his imprisonment, and his future prospects (i. 13–30). III. Exhortation to follow the example of Christ (ii. 1–18). IV. Personal matters (ii. 19–30). V. Warnings against Judaizers (iii.). VI. Personal appeals (iv. 1–7). VII. Final exhortation and commendation (iv. 8–23).