Book of Philippians — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: 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.

The book of Philippians is part of the Christian Greek Scriptures and contains 4 chapters. It was written by Paul approximately c. AD 61. The central theme running throughout Philippians is joy & contentment — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

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:

  1. 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?
  2. How does Paul's description of Jesus 'emptying himself' (2:5–8) teach what the mindset and attitude of a Christian should be?
  3. 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?
  4. 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?
  5. 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?

How to Study Philippians with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 4 chapters of Philippians in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, 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.

Consider reading Philippians as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

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)
  • New Testament 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 just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Paul's Letters in 30 Days — Dive deep into 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

Continue Reading the Christian Greek Scriptures

  • Previous book: Book of Ephesians
  • Next book: Book of Colossians
  • All 66 Bible Books
  • All Reading Plans
  • JW Study Blog