TO KNOW CHRIST AND TO MAKE HIM KNOWN - Commentary on the Book of Philippians

Sep 16, 2026

Uploaded by Mia

Guided by a central aim to know Christ and make Him known, this commentary on Philippians frames the letter as true joy rooted in fellowship, unity, and God-dependence while advancing the gospel. The materials emphasize Paul’s prison context, the church’s internal tensions, and the wider world’s opposition, linking these realities to practical life application. Section design supports readers through thesis statements, analytical outlines, devotional questions, and representative quotations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages288

Reading Time1 h 41 min

AccessFree to download

True Joy Comes from Fellowship and Unity in Furthering the Gospel

Goal and Governing Text

Section Study Framework

Background of the Book of Philippians

General Reflections from Commentators

Practical Helps in Philippians

Partnership in Gospel Ministry

TO KNOW CHRIST AND TO MAKE HIM KNOWN Commentary on the Book of Philippians by Paul G. Apple, April 2001 revised January 2003, November 2024 TRUE JOY COMES FROM FELLOWSHIP AND UNITY IN FURTHERING THE GOSPEL (IN DEPENDENCE UPON GOD) AS WE SEEK TO FULLY KNOW CHRIST Philippians 1:27 "striving together for the faith of the gospel" For each section: - Thesis statement …to focus on the big idea - Analytical outline …to guide the understanding - Devotional questions …to encourage life application - Representative quotations …to stimulate deeper insight This data file is the sole property of the author Paul Apple. However, permission is granted for others to use and distribute these materials for the edification of others under two simple conditions: 1) The contents must be faithfully represented including credit to the author where appropriate. 2) The material must be distributed freely without any financial remuneration. This data file may not be copied for resale or incorporated in any commercial publications, recordings, broadcasts, performances, displays or other products offered for sale, without the written permission of Paul Apple. Requests for permission should be made in writing and addressed to: Paul Apple, 304 N. Beechwood Ave., Baltimore MD 21228. [www.bibleoutlines.com](www.bibleoutlines.com) [paulgapple@gmail.com](paulgapple@gmail.com) BACKGROUND OF THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS Dr. Daniel Wallace: Good Overview [https://bible.org/seriespage/philippians-introduction-argument-and-outline](https://bible.org/seriespage/philippians-introduction-argument-and-outline) GENERAL Ray Stedman: The letter to the Philippians has been called not only the tenderest letter that Paul ever wrote, but also the most delightful. It brims over with expressions of praise. confidence and rejoicing, despite the fact that this is one of Paul's prison epistles, written in Rome during his first imprisonment. J. Sidlow Baxter: An immortal interest attaches to this little Philippian epistle, for it was sent to the first Christian church ever planted in Europe. Few events of history have had deeper or wider repercussions than the unostentatious visit of Paul and his few helpers to that colonial township of long ago. The letter was written about ten years later. Kit Johnson: I would imagine that for many people . . .Philippians is one your favorite Bible books if not the favorite. It’s such a warm, personal letter. You get to see Paul’s heart in Philippians more than in any other letter. It’s both convicting and encouraging. There are also many practical helps in Philippians. It teaches us how resolve conflict, how to serve each other, and how to discipline the mind. It also provides vital instruction regarding how to replace anxiety and depression with joy, peace, and contentment. But what sets Philippians apart from any secular counseling resource is that it grounds all of it in a rich theology of Christ. Philippians 2:5–11 is the foundational NT text on the incarnation and humiliation of Christ, but it’s also filled with practical insight regarding how we can follow Christ’s example. And Philippians 3:1–16 combines a rich exposition of Christ’s imputed righteousness with a pastoral call to live in light of this righteousness. . . Partnership in Gospel Ministry: One of the things that stands out about Philippians is Paul’s passion for the spread of the gospel. And one of the unique features of Philippians is how it describes the Philippians’ partnership in Paul’s mission. Philippians has so much to say about how we can work together to fulfill the Great Commission. [https://www.lifepointbaptist.org/sermons/sermon/2019-07-07/introduction-to-philippians](https://www.lifepointbaptist.org/sermons/sermon/2019-07-07/introduction-to-philippians) [G. Walter Hansen](G. Walter Hansen: Paul)[: Paul](G. Walter Hansen: Paul)’[s letter to the Philippi](s letter to the Philippi)ans exudes a joyful spirit and warm

FAQs

What is the main theme emphasized for reading Philippians in this commentary?

The commentary highlights that true joy comes from fellowship and unity as believers further the gospel in dependence upon God while seeking to fully know Christ.

How is each section structured to help readers understand Philippians?

Each section uses a thesis statement to focus on the big idea, an analytical outline to guide understanding, devotional questions for life application, and representative quotations to stimulate deeper insight.

What kinds of problems does the commentary note that Paul addresses in Philippians?

It references internal rivalry and gossip, hostility and skepticism from the surrounding world challenging faith in Christ, and the influence of impressive religious teachers offering a misleading formula for success.

Sep 16, 2026

Uploaded by Mia