Philippians Keynote Flashcards
How did the canonical form of Paul’s letter to the Philippians come to be, according to the timeline provided?
The canonical form of Paul’s letter to the Philippians likely originated as three separate letters written on different occasions. An early editor later consolidated these letters into a single canonical form.
What was Paul’s initial interaction with Philippi, and what was his connection to the city in 48-49 CE?
In 48-49 CE, Paul visited Philippi and founded an assembly there. During this time, the Philippians supported Paul with monetary and material assistance at least twice.
Why was Paul imprisoned in Ephesus, and what does Acts 19:24-28 reveal about the circumstances of his imprisonment?
Paul was imprisoned in Ephesus due to a riot incited by silversmiths who feared that Paul’s teachings, which challenged the validity of idols made by hands, would harm their business and diminish the worship of Artemis. Acts 19:24-28 describes the uproar created by Demetrius, a silversmith, and the ensuing shouts of “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
How did Philippi’s status as a Roman colony influence its reaction to Paul’s message about Jesus?
As a Roman colony, Philippi was established by retired Roman soldiers and had a strong sense of Roman identity. The city was familiar with Roman emperors being viewed as gods. This context likely meant that the Philippians might have had mixed reactions to Paul’s message that Jesus was a divine or heavenly being, given their entrenched imperial religious views.
How does Paul address the issue of circumcision in his letters to the Philippians, and how does this compare with his arguments in Galatians?
In Philippians, Paul responds to evangelists advocating circumcision by contrasting their teachings with his own, emphasizing that such practices are not necessary for salvation. This contrasts with Galatians, where Paul vehemently opposes the imposition of circumcision on Gentile believers, arguing that it undermines the gospel of grace.
What does the “Christ Hymn” in Philippians 2:5-11 convey about Jesus, and how does it frame his status compared to God?
The “Christ Hymn” in Philippians 2:5-11 describes Jesus as having existed in the form of God but not exploiting this status. Instead, he humbled himself, became a servant, and was obedient to death on a cross. As a result, God exalted him to the highest place, giving him a name above every name. This hymn frames Jesus’ status as subordinate to God, with God being the ultimate authority.
How does Paul use the concept of “processing” in his portrayal of Jesus, and what is its purpose in the Philippians letter?
Paul uses “processing” to adapt familiar Greco-Roman ideas about divine figures to present Jesus as a model of humility and exaltation. This serves to promote social harmony within the Philippian assembly, encouraging members to emulate Christ’s humility and unity rather than competing for status.
What is the significance of the “descent-ascent” pattern in the “Christ Hymn” for the Philippian assembly?
The “descent-ascent” pattern in the “Christ Hymn” symbolizes Jesus’ journey from divine status to human suffering and back to exaltation. For the Philippian assembly, this pattern is intended to serve as a model for humility, encouraging them to follow Christ’s example of selflessness and obedience.
