March 15 2026

Sunday March 15

Why Paul Wrote Philippians

Philippians 1:12

“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel”.

Today we are continuing our introduction to the book of Epistle to the Philippians. And today we are asking the question: Why did Paul write this letter? First, it is very obvious that Paul wrote this letter because the Holy Spirit of the living God inspired him to write it. God wanted this letter to become part of the canon of Scripture—the Word of God that we have for us today. Remember, Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

God’s plan was that this book—written to encourage believers during a difficult time in history—would also be a book that we would need today. It is part of the eternal Word of God. How about that? That is the number one reason Paul wrote this book.

Like many of Paul’s letters in the New Testament, Philippians was written to address certain needs and situations within the church. However, unlike some other letters such as 1 Corinthians, there were very few serious problems in this congregation. In fact, the book of Philippians is one of the most positive and encouraging letters that Paul ever wrote. Here are several reasons we find in the letter itself for why Paul wrote it.

First, Paul wanted to thank them for the generous gift they had sent to him. Philippians 4:18 says: “But I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you.” Epaphroditus had been sent from the church at Philippi to Rome to deliver this gift to the Apostle Paul while he was in prison. That gift helped meet Paul’s needs while he was under house arrest there in Rome.

Second, Paul wanted to update them about his circumstances. In Philippians 1:12 Paul writes: “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel”. Even though he was a prisoner—often chained between Roman guards—Paul explains that those very circumstances were helping the gospel spread. The guards were hearing the message of Jesus Christ, and other believers were becoming more bold as they saw what God was doing through Paul. So Paul writes to describe his situation and update them, because no doubt they loved him deeply and wanted to know how he was doing.

Third, Paul was sending Epaphroditus back to them. In Philippians 2:25, Paul writes: “Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need.” Paul goes on to explain that Epaphroditus had been very sick—almost to the point of death—and the believers in Philippi had heard about it and were concerned. Paul wanted them to know that he had recovered and was doing well. So Epaphroditus would carry this letter back to the church when he returned.

Fourth, Paul wanted to encourage unity within the church. In Philippians 4:2, Paul writes: “I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.” Even though this church was strong and faithful, there had been some disagreement between two women in the congregation—Euodia and Syntyche. Paul gently encourages them to be reconciled and to have the same mind in the Lord. Of course, earlier in chapter 2 he had already pointed them to the ultimate example—the mind of Jesus Christ.

Finally, Paul wanted to warn the believers about false teachers and encourage them to continue growing in their faith. In Philippians 3:2 he writes: “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation.” Paul is referring to those who were known as Judaizers—teachers who tried to insist that Gentile believers must also be circumcised and follow Jewish law in order to be truly saved. Paul strongly warned against anyone who tried to add anything to salvation through Jesus Christ. He was very aware that after he planted churches, others sometimes followed behind him spreading false doctrine and confusing new believers.

As we study this book together, we will discover that it is a letter filled with gratitude, encouragement, instruction, and love. It reveals the heart of a pastor who deeply loved his people and wanted them to continue growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. And today, the Lord wants you to also be encouraged and strengthened by these same eternal Words!

God bless you, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day.