Catholic Bible Study – Philippians

Fr. Larry Young is a Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Washington (DC), ordained in 2003. He is passionate about preaching and teaching the Catholic Faith and leading people deeper into the adventure of a relationship with Jesus. He firmly believes in orthodoxy and fidelity to the Magisterium.
The principal divisions of the Letter to the Philippians are the following:
- Address (1:1–11)
- Progress of the Gospel (1:12–26)
- Instructions for the Community (1:27–2:18)
- Travel Plans of Paul and His Assistants (2:19–3:1)
- Polemic: Righteousness and the Goal in Christ (3:2–21)
- Instructions for the Community (4:1–9)
- Gratitude for the Philippians’ Generosity (4:10–20)
- Farewell (4:21–23)
Lectionary Index
Weekdays
Sundays
Gospel Reading | Lect # – Year | Sunday or Feast |
Phil 1:4-6, 8-11 | 6-C | 2nd Sunday of Advent |
Phil 1:20c-24, 27a | 133-A | 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Phil 2:1-11 or 2:1-5 | 136-A | 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Phil 2:6-11 | 38-ABC | Palm Sunday Mass |
Phil 3:8-14 | 36-C | 5th Sunday of Lent |
Phil 3:17—4:1 or 3:20—4:1 | 27-C | 2nd Sunday of Lent |
Phil 4:4-7 | 9-C | 3rd Sunday of Advent |
Phil 4:6-9 | 139-A | 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Phil 4:12-14, 19-20 | 142-A | 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Four Lesson Study w/Handouts
by Michal Hunt
Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi is one of Paul’s most personal letters. He wrote the letter from prison where he awaited the verdict of either acquittal or death. In the letter, he shares his sufferings to advance the Gospel and his struggle over whether he prefers to die to be with Christ or to live and continue serving the spiritual welfare of his dear Christians friends at Philippi.
The church in Philippi was the first Christian community St. Paul founded when he traveled to northern Greece on his second missionary journey in c. 50 or 51 AD. Throughout the years of his ministry, Paul maintained a close relationship with the community.
Most of the Philippian Christians were Gentile converts who had a great affection for Paul and supported him generously with material help. Paul had great confidence in the Philippian Christians.
In his letter, he demonstrates his deep affection for them when writing, “I hold you in my heart” (Phil 1:1), and when he describes them as “my brothers whom I love and long for, my joy and my crown” (Phil 4:1).
His letter to this Christian community is especially tender and made even more poignant by the fact that he was writing from his imprisonment (probably in Rome) where he didn’t know if this letter would be his last before suffering martyrdom.
References for the course are found in the Course Bibliography.
Course Handouts
Lesson Number | Chapter | Description | Handouts |
Lesson 1 | Introduction and Chapter 1 |
Paul’s Greeting and Present Circumstances | Handouts |
Lesson 2 | Chapter 2 | Having the Mind of Christ | Handouts |
Lesson 3 | Chapter 3 | Having Knowledge of Christ | Handouts |
Lesson 4 | Chapter 4 | Instructions for Living in the Peace of Christ and Paul’s Farewell | Handouts |