Philippians (New Cambridge Bible Commentary)

✍ Scribed by Michael F. Bird, Nijay K. Gupta

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Year: 2020
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 219
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

In this commentary, Michael Bird and Nijay Gupta situate Paul's letter to the Philippians within the context of his imprisonment as well as the Philippians' situation of suffering and persecution. Paul draws the Philippians' attention to the power and progress of the gospel in spite of difficult circumstances. He also warns them about the dangers of rival Christian groups who preach out of poor motives or have a truncated gospel. Bird and Gupta unpack the rich wisdom and theology of the Christ Hymn (2:6-11). Throughout the commentary, they apply a broad range of exegetical tools to interpret this letter including historical, sociological, rhetorical, and literary analysis, and they give attention to the reception of this important Pauline text throughout history. Bird and Gupta also includes short reflections on the meaning of Philippians for today.

✦ Table of Contents

Philippians: New Cambridge Bible Commentary / Michael F. Bird; Nijay K. Gupta
Contents
Acknowledgment
Abbreviations
Introduction
Philippi: The City and Its Inhabitants
Philippi before Roman Occupation
Roman Philippi
Economy, Inhabitants, and Social Environment
Religion in Philippi
The Use of Acts in the Study of Philippians
Paul's Ministry in Philippi (Acts 16:12-40)
Paul and the Philippians: Evidence from the Letter to the Philippians
Basic Information
Situational Problems and Exigencies
The Location of Paul’s Imprisonment
The Church in Philippi
The Purpose of Paul's Letter to the Philippians
Theological Themes
Resilient Joy
Deferential Love
Friendship, Partnership, and Unity
Suggested Reading
Commentary
1:1–2: Greetings
1:3–11: Thanksgiving and intercession
1:12–26: The advance of the gospel
1:27–30: The call for perseverance in the face of adversity
2:1–4: Exhortation to unity and to the imitation of Christ: unity through humility
2:5–11: Exhortation to unity and to the imitation of Christ: the mind of Christ
2:12–18: Exhortation to unity and to the imitation of Christ: how salvation is worked out
2:19–30: News about Timothy and Epaphroditus
3:1–4a: Warning against Jewish Christian proselytizers
3:4b–6: Paul’s inherited Jewish privileges
3:7–11: Paul and the surpassing knowledge of Christ
3:12–16: Pressing toward the goal
3:17–4:1: Paul’s example applied to the Philippians
4:2–9: Exhortation to unity, gentleness, and excellence
4:10–20: Paul’s thanksgiving for fellowship with the Philippians
4:21–23: Final greetings
Author Index
Ancient Sources