Philippians
Paul’s letter to the Philippians is a warm thank-you note written from prison, calling believers to rejoice in Christ and trust God in every season.
Peace That Passeth · Philippians 4:7
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Peace That Passeth · Philippians 4:7
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Peace That Passeth · Philippians 4:7
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Prayed About It · Philippians 4:6
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Prayed About It · Philippians 4:6
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Prayed About It · Philippians 4:6
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Work in Progress · Philippians 1:6
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Work in Progress · Philippians 1:6
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Work in Progress · Philippians 1:6
T-Shirt · 7 colors
Price range: $24.95 through $28.95
About the book of Philippians
Philippians is a New Testament letter from the apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia where he planted the first church in Europe (Acts 16). Paul wrote it under guard in Rome, with Timothy named beside him in the greeting. The Philippians had sent help through a member named Epaphroditus, and Paul answered with thanks, news about his situation, and encouragement. Although it came from a prison, many readers call it his most joyful letter. It is short enough to read in one sitting, and it rewards a slow second reading.
Main themes
Joy runs through the whole letter, and it does not depend on comfort. Paul says his chains have helped the gospel spread (Philippians 1:12-14), and he keeps pointing his friends back to Christ as the reason to be glad. This joy is not a passing mood. It is a settled confidence that Jesus is Lord and that God is still at work when circumstances are hard. Paul uses the words joy and rejoice again and again, and he writes them from a cell.
A second thread is life together in the church. Paul urges the Philippians to stand united, to put others first, and to take on the humble mindset of Christ, who became a servant and was then raised to the highest honor (Philippians 2:5-11). Alongside that runs a steady call to trust God instead of worrying, to pray about everything, and to keep pressing on toward knowing Christ better (Philippians 3:12-14).
Verses from Philippians on our apparel
Philippians 1:6 reads, “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Paul wrote it as a note of confidence to friends who were still growing. It is the verse on our Work in Progress design, for anyone who needs to hear that God does not leave his projects half done.
Philippians 4:6 reads, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” In the English of 1611, “careful” means full of worry, so this is an instruction to pray instead of fret. Our Prayed About It design carries it.
Philippians 4:7 reads, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” It is the promise that follows verse 6, and it describes peace standing guard over an anxious heart. You can find it on our Peace That Passeth design.
Frequently asked
Where was Paul when he wrote Philippians? Paul wrote from custody in Rome, most likely while waiting for his case to be heard. The letter shows no bitterness about it. He treats his imprisonment as a chance for the gospel to reach people who might never have heard it.
Is Philippians 4:13 about winning at sports or work? That verse comes at the end of Paul’s thanks for the gift from Philippi. In the lines just before it, he says he has learned to be content with plenty or with need (Philippians 4:11-12). The strength he describes is strength to stay faithful in either condition.