Guide
What Is the Letter of Paul to the Philippians?
Second Half of 1st Century
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The Letter of Paul to the Philippians, included in the New Testament, is addressed to a congregation of Jesus followers that Paul established in Philippi, Greece. Scholars consider the work’s attribution to Paul to be correct, although some believe that it is a combination of several compositions. Paul states that he writes from prison and draws on his own experience of suffering and humiliation, as well as Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice, to encourage the Philippians to be humble and steadfast in their faith. As in his letter to the Galatians, Paul warns the Jesus followers of Philippi—apparently gentiles—not to undergo circumcision, and advocates faith in Christ over adherence to the law.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
As a Pharisee
Philippians 3:4–6
[E]ven though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh.
If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of…