Philippians: The Fellowship of the Gospel

Preaching the Word

by R. Kent Hughes

The four chapters of Philippians contain some of the most-quoted and beloved passages in "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain," "Rejoice in the Lord always," "Do not be anxious about anything," "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." Yet in our familiarity with the Apostle Paul's words to his favorite church, we must be careful not to miss the deeper themes, says commentator R. Kent Hughes. Themes such as the robust fellowship and unity that Paul shared with the Christians at Philippi based on their mutual commitment to the gospel. Theirs was a partnership we rarely see today—between people who were bound together in the great cause of unfurling the gospel flag in cities, countries, and other cultures—undergirded by Paul's central call to let their "manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ." It was a joyous cause, a unity, a manner of life that should be ours as well. The characteristics of such true Christian conduct and spirit are detailed throughout this epistle and this commentary, with every aspect ultimately centering in Christ. Hughes's faithful exposition and application will reveal how much Philippians is about Christ and about people in Christ Jesus, as well as about people who are in the joyful fellowship of the gospel together because they are in Christ. Part of the Preaching the Word series.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theology, Biblical Studies

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 2007

About the author

R. Kent Hughes (DMin, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is senior pastor emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, and a visiting professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hughes is also a founder of the Charles Simeon Trust, which conducts expository preaching conferences throughout North America and worldwide. He and his wife, Barbara, have four children and an ever-increasing number of grandchildren.

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read an entire commentary on a book of the Bible before. This is an exceptional first if you're looking for a practical morning devotional diving deep into the intricacies of Philippians. R. Kent Hughes' writing is clear, pragmatic, and encouraging. This little commentary left my soul refreshed and comforted every morning I read it. I highly recommend this to better understand the context and application of the book of Philippians, as well as relishing in the truths of the gospel on a deeper level.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough and interesting

St. Paul's letter to the Philippians is not a very big book but it is a treasure trove of spiritual advice, advice about how a congregation should work together, historical information and ultimately, Paul points out how the Christian life should be lived with other Christians.

R. Kent Hughes explains the historical setting of the book. He describes the city of Philippi, Paul's journey to Philippi and how Paul ended up in a prison in Rome when he writes this letter.

Most importantly, Hughes explains Paul's theme that Christian life must be that of fellowship. Not that of coffee and doughnuts on Sunday morning fellowship, but fellowship like that expressed in the books and movies of J.R.R. Tolkein's Fellowship of the Ring ), a fellowship based on a shared sense of mission, devotion to one another and the mission (the spreading of the Gospel) and perseverance through hardship.

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[William Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

R. Kent Hughes is a fantastic communicator who rivals the applicability of Warren Weirsbe. Not only does he do justice to the Greek text through word study and interpretations, but it also has a devotional like aspect that leaves you feeling spiritually nourished.

[Larry Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

all of kent hughes books are simple, easy to understand and practical. good for group bible studies and such

[Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, simple, and effective study of one of the shortest and meatiest books of the Bible.