For information on the Roman colony of Philippi in Macedonia, see note on Ac 16:12.
Place of Writing
Some scholars think that Paul wrote his captivity letters, including Philippians, from detention in Ephesus. A major reason is that Paul was also a prisoner in Phm 1, which was probably addressed to Asia Minor (compare Phm 2 with Col 4:17); they reason that if Onesimus fled from there and found Paul, Paul was probably nearby, as in Ephesus. Onesimus might well expect that a person of Philemon’s status had contacts in Ephesus, however, so fleeing farther, to Rome, is likewise reasonable. Moreover, from Php 2:25 it seems clear that Epaphroditus had traveled a long way from Philippi—a description that fits Rome better than Ephesus. (Epaphroditus may be from Philippi. One Epaphras was originally or partly from Asia Minor [cf. Col 4:12], but this was a common name.)
Although the phrase translated “palace guard” in 1:13 might apply to a governor’s residence (note the Greek term in Ac 23:35), the mention of Caesar’s household in 4:22 confirms that it likely does refer to the Praetorian Guard stationed around Rome (cf. Ac 28:16). The majority of scholars believe that Paul wrote this letter from Rome.
Purpose
Paul wrote this letter partly to thank the Philippian believers for their continued and unsolicited support (4:10–20). Writing from Roman custody, however, he is also concerned that the church may well face further persecution (1:30; earlier, cf. Ac 16:22–23; 1Th 2:2). He also urges believers to work together (Php 1:27; 2:2, 14). Ancient speakers and writers commonly urged civic and other harmony, and Paul has reasons to stress this message in this letter. The Christians in Philippi’s house churches loved Paul, but they were not all getting along with each other (4:2–3); Paul offers multiple examples of serving others (2:5–8, 17, 20–21, 29–30). Paul also warns against false teachers who would demand circumcision, though it is not clear whether they have already arrived (3:2–21). ◆
Quick Glance
Author:
The apostle Paul
Audience:
The believers at Philippi, a prosperous Roman colony
Date:
About AD 61
Theme:
Paul thanks the Christians at Philippi for their unsolicited support, exhorts them to unity and encourages them to live joyfully in every circumstance.