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The book of Philippians


Author

Place and Time of Writing

Unique Characteristics

Audience

Theme

More details about Philippians

Why did Paul write the letter?

A letter of thanks

Instructions about Jesus’ incarnation and instructions on humility

Encouragement to stay strong during persecution

How to live as a Christian

Outline of Philippians

Quiz with hover answers (Hover doesn't work for some smart phones and pads, so questions and answers here)

1. Paul introduced Christianity to Philippi on his Second Missionary Trip.

True
Correct
   
False
No, it is true.

2. When Paul was in Rome during the early 60s, he was under house arrest plus he was renting the house where he stayed. The Philippians decided to send him money to help out.

True
Right.
   
False
It is true.

3. In Philippians, Paul wrote about the virgin birth of Jesus.

True
False
He wrote about the incarnation.
   
False
Right, it is false.

4. The Philippians were getting ready to suffer persecution, and Paul told them to get ready to flee.

True
False
He told them to be thankful for the persecution.
   
False
Right, it is false.

5. The big picture: Why would Paul say that persecution for Christ was a positive experience?

Response
Paul is not clear, but one reason could be that they would better understand the sufferings of Jesus.

Timeline up to the book of Philippians

Dates are approximate.

Year Event
63 B.C. Romans conquer Israel.
27 B.C. Pax Romana began and lasted until A.D. 180.
4 B.C. Jesus born.
All dates after this are A.D.
27 Jesus baptized.
30 Jesus was crucified, buried, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven.
Apostles travel to Jerusalem and choose Matthias to replace Judas as an Apostle.
Day of Pentecost: Peter assumes leadership of Christianity.
30-50 Peter was leader of Christianity.
33 Jesus appeared to Paul and Paul became a Christian.
48-50 Paul's First Missionary Trip.
50 Council of Jerusalem; Paul became one of the main Christian leaders.
50-55 Paul's Second Missionary Trip.
  51-53 Galatians and I & II Corinthians written.
55-60 Paul's Third Missionary Trip.
  57 Romans written.
60-62 Paul arrested in Jerusalem and taken to Rome.
Ephesians and Philippians written while Paul was under house arrest in Rome.
62-63 (Not in Acts) Paul probably released from prison during this time.
63-65 (Not in Acts) Paul probably traveled. He may have gone to Spain.
64 Fire in Rome and Christians persecuted by Emperor Nero.
65 (Not in Acts)Paul back in Rome; he and Peter arrested and martyred: Peter crucified upside down and Paul beheaded.
67 Gospel of Mark written.
70 Temple in Jerusalem destroyed by Romans (it has not been rebuilt).
80 Gospels of Matthew and Luke written.
90 Gospel of John and book of Acts written.
95 Christians persecuted by Emperor Domitian; Apostle John exiled on island of Patmos where he wrote Revelation.
96 Emperor Domitian died; Apostle John probably moved to Ephesus.
100 Apostle John died; he was the last Apostle to die.
390's New Testament canon "closed" at Councils of Hippo (393) and Carthage (397).
1200's Chapters added to the New Testament.
1500's Verses added to the New Testament.

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©2016 Mark Nickens

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