Literary Design of Philippians

In looking at the design of Philippians, the manner in which this epistle (letter) has been artistically put together, we find something quite remarkable.

We find a central Poem beautifully describing the Story of Jesus (or Gospel of Jesus), surrounding this Poem, we find 5 smaller snippets or topics that all relate to Christ Jesus and how we are to now live out this 'Story of Jesus.'

The Basics

Of course, given that it is an epistle, we have the letter opening & closing.

• Letter Opening (Phil 1:1 - 11)

• Letter Closing (Phil 4:10 - 23)

Paul's Imprisonment

After the opening we find a description of Paul's imprisonment & what this means to him - giving us a view into Paul's mind & thinking on suffering.

From this snippet/excerpt we learn that Paul is waiting upon a verdict - he will either be executed or released. Yet for Paul, suffering is not being imprisoned or executed... To Paul the reality of spending Eternity with Christ Jesus is so certain that he'd much prefer leaving this Earth to be with Jesus. So, to Paul, suffering is rather to have to remain here to further establish and serve the church, yet despite this, he 'endures' his time on earth with pleasure, knowing that it is all for Christ's Glory.

• The imprisonment of Paul & his Reasoning that all things (whether good or bad) work together towards spreading the Gospel (Phil 1:12 - 2:6)

A Poem

The Story of Jesus told through a subtle Poem, including all highlights such as Jesus' humble coming, His Death on the cross, glorious Resurrection & Ascension, as well as establishing Jesus as the King of kings, with the Name above every other name.

• Poem ( Phil 2:6 - 11 )

5 Sections Portraying the Christ-Life

5 Topics or sections describing/portraying various aspects of our new Christ-Life

• Characteristics of the new Christ-Life, the new and fully surrendered life of a believer that allows Christ Jesus to freely live through each believer (Phil 1:27 - 2:18)

• Timothy as real life example of someone living a life surrendered to Jesus (Phil 2:19 - 2:24)

• Epiphras as an example of someone living surrendered to Christ Jesus (Phil 2:25 - 2:30)

• Paul as an example ( Phil 3:1 - 4:1 )

• Characteristics of the new Christ-Life (Phil 4:2 - 4:9)

Philippians • Over-arching Summary or Takeaway

The Mind of Christ

Jesus' Love & Presence is closer than my own skin

Rejoice in the Lord Always

My story (life) is the lived expression of Jesus' (Story).

Use the "Self Study Philippians Structure Overview" to fill in relevant Scripture references & notes to personalise your own Philippians Overview.