The Unity and Tone of the Letter

Paul was writing to the Philippians from a prison in some place unknown to us (Phil. 1.7, 13, 17), and his imprisonment had a profound effect on him.

Although there is a wide diversity of opinion about the unity and possible fragments of the letter, I shall treat it as a unit. If we consider the letter that way, the immediate purpose for writing seems to be Paul's gratitude for the Philippians’ financial help while he was at Thessalonica (Phil. 4.14-19). While in need he had received other gifts from the Philippians (2.25; 4.10-12, 18). Epaphroditus had been sick, even near death, but he recovered. The Philippians were concerned about his illness, so he wanted to return to Philippi in order to soothe their anxiety. Paul, therefore, sent him back to Philippi with the letter expressing his gratitude for help and his sincere affection for the converts at Philippi.

There is no evidence of any major theological or practical problems in the brotherhood itself. In general, the tone of the letter is gentle and joyful. The only exception is Paul's outburst against some Judaizers, whom he brands as ‘the dogs’, ‘the evil workmen’, and ‘those who cut up the flesh’ (Phil. 3.2). Apparently, Judaizers advocating circumcision of Gentile converts had gone to Philippi as they had to Galatia.