Book of Philippians — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 4 · Written by: Paul · Approximate date: c. AD 61 · Theme: Joy & Contentment
Summary of the Book of Philippians
Written from prison, Philippians radiates joy throughout. Paul urges the congregation to have the same humble mind as Christ Jesus and to find genuine contentment in all circumstances through Jehovah's strengthening power.
Why the Book of Philippians Matters Today
Philippians is the most joyful of Paul's letters — written from prison and yet repeatedly calling readers to 'rejoice in the Lord' (Philippians 3:1; 4:4). For Witnesses facing trials, opposition, or congregational difficulties, Philippians models how joy in Jehovah remains accessible regardless of circumstances. The Christological hymn of Philippians 2:5–11 — Christ humbling himself, dying obediently, and being exalted by God — is one of the clearest scriptural arguments that Jesus is not equal to Jehovah but subject to him. Philippians 4:6–7 on the peace of God guarding the heart is one of the most cited scriptures for managing anxiety.
Key Verses in Philippians
- Phil 1:21
- Phil 4:7
- Phil 4:13
Notable Passages in Philippians
Philippians 1:21
Paul's declaration 'for me, to live is Christ and to die is gain' reveals his complete identification with Christ's purpose and his confident hope in the resurrection.
Philippians 4:7
The promise that 'the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers' assures that genuine peace comes from Jehovah's own presence.
Philippians 4:13
Paul's affirmation 'I have the strength for all things through the one who gives me power' is a personal testimony to relying on Jehovah's strength rather than one's own.
Study Questions for Philippians
As you read the book of Philippians, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- What practical steps for maintaining peace of mind does Philippians 4:6–7 — 'do not be anxious...but let your petitions be made known to God' — provide?
- How does Paul's description of Jesus 'emptying himself' (2:5–8) teach what the mindset and attitude of a Christian should be?
- What does Paul's statement 'I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself' (4:11) teach about contentment as a skill to develop?
- How does Paul's joyful tone throughout Philippians — written while imprisoned — demonstrate that true joy comes from one's relationship with Jehovah, not from circumstances?
- What does Philippians 1:21 — 'for me, to live is Christ and to die is gain' — reveal about Paul's perspective on life, death, and the resurrection hope?
Frequently Asked Questions About Philippians
- Who wrote the book of Philippians?
- Paul the apostle wrote Philippians around 60–61 CE during his first imprisonment in Rome, sent to the congregation he had founded at Philippi during his second missionary journey.
- When was the book of Philippians written?
- Philippians was written approximately 60–61 CE in Rome during Paul's first imprisonment, thanking the Philippian congregation for their financial support.
- What is the main theme of Philippians?
- Philippians calls Christians to rejoice in the Lord under all circumstances, follow Christ's example of humble obedience, and find peace through prayer and right thinking.
How to Study Philippians with JW Study
Track your progress through all 4 chapters of Philippians in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include Philippians
The book of Philippians is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Christian Greek Scriptures in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
- Paul's Letters in 30 Days — Read all 13 letters of the apostle Paul, from Romans to Philemon, in one focused month. (30 days, 87 chapters)
- Acts & the Letters in 60 Days — Follow the early Christian congregation through Acts, then study every letter through Revelation in 60 days. (60 days, 171 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
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