Philippians 3: 1-11 Analysis

The author of Philippians 3:1-11 is believed to be Paul, previously known as Saul of Taursus. “Known as Saul of Tarsus before his conversion to Christianity and the most influential leader in the early days of the Christian church.” A lot of information pertaining to Paul’s life is recorded in the book of Acts. “He is first mentioned in chapter 7 in connection with the execution of Stephen. According to verse 58, “the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.” The term “young man” probably indicates someone in his 20s, though this is uncertain.” Tarsus was a large city in Asia Minor and was a commercial trading center.

“Paul was born a Roman citizen (it is not know how his father or ancestors acquired citizenship, though military or other notable service is a strong possibility); accordingly, he was given not only a Hebrew name (Shaul) but also a Roman cognomen (Paulus, though some have argued that he adopted this Roman name at a later point). At any rate, the fact that in his letters he shows great ease in relating to Gentiles suggests that he obtained a Greek education while in Tarsus.”

He was brought up to become a Pharisee following in his ancestor’s footsteps. He was later converted to Christianity on the road to

He had visited Philippi on his second missionary journey where Lydia and other Jews heard the message and began meeting together eventually becoming the initial start of the church. This was Paul 's first church in Europe. Paul was eventually put in prison after helping a demon possessed girl. The church at Philippi sent him a gift while he was in prison. He wrote the book of Philippians as a letter to thank them, to let them know he was doing okay although he was in prison and to strongly encourage them to be faithful in their commitment to God. They were being influenced by other religious beliefs and it was affecting their