Philippians
Here is a list of words and their definitions that may need to be defined in Philippians (ESV)
I. Key Theological Concepts and Christological Terms:
Gospel (Greek: euangelion) (e.g., Philippians 1:5, 7, 12, 16, 27; 2:22; 4:3, 15): Literally "good news." In Philippians, it refers to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and lordship—which creates fellowship among believers and is to be advanced and defended.
Grace (Greek: charis) (e.g., Philippians 1:2, 7; 4:23): God's unmerited, unearned favor, kindness, and divine enablement freely given to humanity through Jesus Christ. It is the foundation of salvation and Christian living.
Faith (Greek: pistis) (e.g., Philippians 1:25, 27; 2:17; 3:9): Trust, belief, reliance, and personal commitment to Jesus Christ and His saving work. Paul speaks of the "obedience of faith" and the righteousness that comes "through faith in Christ."
Righteousness (from God / through faith) (Philippians 1:11; 3:6, 9): The state of being in a right relationship with God, being counted as acceptable and morally upright in His sight. Paul contrasts righteousness based on the Law (which he found lacking) with the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Saints (Greek: hagioi) (Philippians 1:1; 4:21, 22): Meaning "holy ones." A term used by Paul to describe all believers in Christ, emphasizing that they are set apart by God for His purposes and called to live holy lives.
Fellowship / Partnership (Greek: koinonia) (e.g., Philippians 1:5, 7 [ESV: "partakers"]; 2:1; 3:10; 4:14-15): Sharing in common, communion, participation, or partnership. Paul highlights the Philippians' partnership in the gospel through their giving and support, and he speaks of fellowship with Christ in His sufferings.
Humility / Lowliness of mind (Greek: tapeinophrosune) (Philippians 2:3): Having a modest or humble view of one's own importance; considering others as more significant than oneself. This is a key virtue Paul exhorts, exemplified by Christ Himself.
Form of God / Form of a servant (Greek: morphe) (Philippians 2:6-7):
Form of God: Refers to Christ's pre-existent state, possessing the very nature, divine attributes, and outward manifestation of God.
Form of a servant: Refers to Christ taking on the nature and status of a human slave, humbling Himself in incarnation and obedience.
Emptied himself / Made himself nothing (Greek: kenoo) (Philippians 2:7): This describes Christ's act of self-humbling in the incarnation, not by ceasing to be God, but by voluntarily setting aside the outward glories and prerogatives of His divine status and taking on the limitations and role of a servant. This is part of the "Christ hymn."
Name above every name (Philippians 2:9): The supreme honor, authority, and sovereignty bestowed upon Jesus Christ by God the Father after His humiliation and exaltation, often understood as the divine name "Lord" (Kyrios).
Lord (Greek: Kyrios) (e.g., Philippians 1:2, 14; 2:11, 19, 24, 29; 3:1, 8, 20; 4:1, 4-5, 10, 19, 23): A title of respect ("sir" or "master"), but in the New Testament, especially when applied to Jesus, it signifies His divine authority, sovereignty, and deity, often equating Him with Yahweh of the Old Testament.
Salvation / Saved (Greek: soteria, sozo) (Philippians 1:19, 28; 2:12; 3:20): Deliverance, rescue, and preservation, encompassing forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, new life in Christ, and the future hope of resurrection and eternal life. Paul urges the Philippians to "work out your own salvation," meaning to live out the implications of the salvation God has already worked in them.
Resurrection (Philippians 3:10-11, 21): The raising of the dead to life. Paul expresses his deep desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and to attain to the resurrection from the dead. He also speaks of Christ transforming our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.
Citizenship (is in heaven) (Greek: politeuma) (Philippians 3:20): Believers' true identity, allegiance, and homeland are in heaven with Christ, from where they await His return. This contrasts with earthly allegiances and provides a different perspective on life's struggles.
Rejoice / Joy (e.g., Philippians 1:4, 18, 25; 2:2, 17-18, 28-29; 3:1, 3; 4:1, 4, 10): A prominent theme in Philippians, despite Paul's imprisonment. It refers to a deep-seated gladness and contentment rooted in Christ, His gospel, and fellowship with Him, which transcends outward circumstances. Paul repeatedly calls the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord.
II. Terms Related to Paul's Circumstances and Opponents:
Imprisonment / Chains (e.g., Philippians 1:7, 13-14, 17): Paul wrote Philippians while he was a prisoner, likely in Rome, for preaching the gospel. He views his imprisonment as an opportunity for the gospel to advance.
Praetorian Guard / Imperial Guard (Philippians 1:13): Elite Roman soldiers responsible for guarding high-ranking officials and, in Rome, the emperor. Paul's imprisonment had made the gospel known even among them.
Caesar's household (Philippians 4:22): Believers who were part of the imperial service or household of the Roman emperor in Rome.
Judaizers / Mutilators of the flesh / Evil-workers / Dogs (Philippians 3:2): Terms Paul uses to describe his opponents, likely Jewish Christians or those influenced by them, who insisted that Gentile believers must be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law to be truly saved and part of God's people (similar to the opponents in Galatians).
Mutilators of the flesh: Paul's derogatory term for those who insisted on physical circumcision, perhaps suggesting their practice was a mere physical cutting devoid of true spiritual meaning, contrasting it with the true "circumcision" of the heart.
Confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3-4): Relying on human heritage (Jewish ancestry, tribe of Benjamin, Pharisee), religious observances (circumcision, law-keeping), or personal achievements for one's standing before God, rather than on Christ. Paul lists his own former reasons for such confidence but now counts them as loss.
Rubbish / Loss / Dung (Greek: skubala) (Philippians 3:7-8): What Paul considers all his former advantages and achievements ("confidence in the flesh") to be in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord.
III. Christian Life and Church Practice:
Unity / Being of the same mind / Like-minded (e.g., Philippians 1:27; 2:2; 4:2): Paul strongly exhorts the Philippian church to be united in spirit, purpose, and affection, standing firm together for the gospel.
Encouragement (Greek: paraklesis) (Philippians 2:1): Comfort, exhortation, or solace, often given by the Holy Spirit or through fellow believers.
Affection / Sympathy / Compassion (Philippians 1:8; 2:1): Deep feelings of love, care, and concern for others.
Conduct yourselves / Live as citizens (in a manner worthy of the gospel) (Philippians 1:27): To live one's life and behave in a way that is consistent with and brings honor to the message of Jesus Christ. The Greek word (politeuomai) has connotations of fulfilling one's civic duties as a citizen.
Sacrifice and service of your faith (Philippians 2:17): Paul views his potential martyrdom as a drink offering poured out upon the sacrifice and service offered by the Philippians through their faith and support.
Drink offering (Philippians 2:17): In ancient sacrifices, wine was sometimes poured out as an offering to a deity. Paul uses this metaphorically for the pouring out of his life.
Press on (toward the goal) (Philippians 3:12, 14): To strive earnestly and diligently, with focused effort, toward the ultimate prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Goal / Prize (Philippians 3:14): The ultimate aim of the Christian life – conformity to Christ, resurrection, and eternal life with Him.
Stand firm (in the Lord) (Philippians 1:27; 4:1): To remain steadfast, unwavering, and resolute in one's faith and commitment to Christ, especially in the face of opposition or difficulty.
Anxious / Anxiety (Philippians 4:6): To be worried, troubled, or fearful. Paul exhorts believers to bring their anxieties to God in prayer.
Contentment / Learned to be content (Philippians 4:11-12): A state of satisfaction and peace with one's circumstances, whether in plenty or in want, learned through reliance on Christ's strength.
Offering / Gift (Philippians 4:17-18): The financial support the Philippians had sent to Paul, which he describes as a "fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God."
Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30; 4:18): A fellow worker and messenger from the Philippian church sent to minister to Paul's needs during his imprisonment, who became seriously ill.
Overseers / Bishops (Greek: episkopoi) (Philippians 1:1): Leaders in the local church responsible for spiritual oversight, teaching, and care of the congregation.
Deacons (Greek: diakonoi) (Philippians 1:1): Servants or ministers in the local church, likely assisting with practical matters and administration, similar to the role described in Acts 6.
IV. Other Notable Terms:
"Finally, brothers..." (Philippians 3:1; 4:8): A common Pauline transitional phrase, often indicating a shift in topic or a concluding section of exhortation.
"To live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21): Paul's profound summary of his Christ-centered life and his perspective on death as a believer.
"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12): Not an exhortation to earn salvation by works, but to diligently live out the implications of the salvation God has already accomplished and is working in them, with a reverent and serious attitude.
This list is intended to provide clarity on some of the key terms encountered in Paul's Letter to the Philippians (ESV). Understanding these words in their original context will enhance the reader's appreciation of Paul's warm pastoral heart, his deep joy in Christ despite suffering, and his powerful exhortations to unity, humility, and steadfastness in the gospel.