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Philippians and Philemon: Prison Epistles, Part 2

  1. Lesson One
    Overview of Philippians (Philippians 1–4)
    22 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  2. Lesson Two
    Philippians: Suffering and Community (Philippians Review)
    22 Activities
  3. Lesson Three
    Overview of Philemon
    22 Activities
  4. Lesson Four
    Paul and Slavery (Philemon, Romans 6 Review)
    17 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  5. Lesson Five
    Social Impact
    9 Activities
    |
    4 Assessments
  6. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment

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Grab your Workbook Journal!

[Record your answers in the workbook provided at the beginning of this course.]

We noted the importance of joy in Luke’s gospel, and Paul takes up this theme in his letter to the Philippians. Read the following passages that feature language of “joy” and “rejoicing.”

  • Philippians 1:4, 18, 25
  • Philippians 2:2, 17-18, 28-29
  • Philippians 3:1
  • Philippians 4:4, 10
  1. Summarize these verses’ perspective on joy and rejoicing below in a sentence or two.
  1. Who is this joy available to, and where does it come from? In whom is it found?
Joy in Philippians

Throughout his letters, we find Paul in different moods and dispositions. Each letter has its own tenor and characteristics. In some letters, like those to the Corinthians, Paul speaks much of suffering, while in others, like Galatians, he’s disappointed and upset. The mood of Philippians is one of joy and rejoicing. In this letter, we’re able to celebrate with Paul the hope of all believers whose “citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20, NIV).