GERALD PETERMAN
OUTLINE
Introduction
I. Personal Matters: Paul, the Philippians, and His Own Circumstances (1:1-26)
A. Paul’s Personal Greeting to the Philippians (1:1-2)
B. Paul’s Personal Relationship with the Philippians (1:3-11)
1. Paul’s Thankfulness for the Philippians (1:3-8)
2. Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians (1:9-11)
C. Paul’s Personal Evaluation of His Circumstances (1:12-26)
1. Joy That the Gospel Was Proclaimed (1:12-18a)
2. Joy That Christ Would Be Exalted (1:18b-26)
II. Instructional Matters: Paul’s Main Teaching concerning the Believer’s Life (1:27–2:30)
A. Called to a Worthy Life (1:27-30)
B. Called to Unity through Humility (2:1-11)
1. The Exhortation to Unity through Humility (2:1-4)
2. The Example of Christ’s Humility (2:5-11)
C. Called to an Obedient Life (2:12-30)
1. The Exhortation to Continued Obedience (2:12-18)
2. The Examples of Continued Obedience (2:19-30)
a. Timothy (2:19-24)
b. Epaphroditus (2:25-30)
III. Exhortational Matters: Paul’s Warning and Correction about Legalism (3:1–4:1)
A. The Warning about False Teachers (3:1-3)
B. The Example from Paul’s Life (3:4–4:1)
1. Paul’s Previous Life as a Pharisee (3:4-6)
2. Paul’s New Life in Messiah (3:7-11)
3. Paul’s Ultimate Goal of Eternal Life (3:12-16)
4. Paul’s Call to Imitate the Best Models (3:17–4:1)
IV. Applicational Matters: Paul’s Practical Advice to the Philippians (4:2-9)
A. Live in Harmony (4:2-3)
B. Develop a Christian Mind-Set (4:4-9)
V. Concluding Matters: Paul’s Thankfulness for the Philippians’ Partnership (4:10-23)
A. Personal Reflections (4:10-13)
B. Moral Commendation (4:14-17)
C. Theological Interpretation (4:18-20)
D. Final Farewell (4:21-23)