BBB Bible Series: Philippians Trivia Quiz

Answer: Timothy

As far as we know Paul never married, nor did he have any children. Timothy was a follower of Paul who often traveled with him, and Paul considered him a spiritual son. "But you know his [Timothy's] proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel" (Philippians 2:25).

Answer: In prison

"But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ..." (Philippians 1:12-13).
While there are some differences of opinion about the location of the prison Paul was in, most believe he was in Rome and this letter was written around 60 or 61 AD.
Philippi was named after Phillip II of Macedonia. He was the father of Alexander the Great. Paul went to Macedonia in response to a vision he received in Acts 16:9: "And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.'" The church in Philippi is believed to be the first Christian church in Europe. You can learn more about this church in Acts chapter 16.

Answer: Epaphroditus

Epaphroditus had been sent by the church at Philippi with a donation to help minister to Paul's needs. While there he fell ill and almost died. Paul was now sending him back to Philippi and commending him for his service. "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me" (Philippians 2:29-30).

Answer: suffer

Suffering just for the sake of suffering was not what Paul was teaching; instead he argued that if the Philippians were being persecuted or suffering because of their faith, they were to consider it a blessing. Jesus taught, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12).

Answer: Christ's

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:5-8).

Paul taught that Jesus completely emptied himself of any rights that were his as God's son and made himself nothing so that he could serve by securing humanity's salvation. Because of his humble obedience his heavenly father exalted him.

"Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11).

Answer: Be like-minded

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose" (Philippians 2:1-2).

Many of Paul's letters were intended to teach or to correct error in the churches in which he had responsibility. The Letter to the Philippians was very personal and was meant to encourage the recipients and to express his gratitude for the help they were always willing to give him. The things he most encouraged in this letter were unity and joy.

Answer: Heaven

"For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame - who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself" (Philippians 3:18-21).

In Paul's day, as in ours, there were those who took advantage of gullible people by promoting a here-and-now gospel that would supposedly make them healthy, wealthy and wise for the right price. This deeply grieved Paul and he warned the Philippians not to be taken in by them.

Answer: dogs

"For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh" (Philippians 3:3).

To call someone a dog was reserved for very despicable people. Paul used this term to describe a particular group of Christians who came from a Jewish background, who then would insist that Christians from a Gentile background had to be circumcised too. Paul taught that Christians were Christians by their faith in Christ alone, not by any religious ceremony or ritual.

Answer: gentleness

The Philippians dealt with many perils and trials. As Paul's letters indicate, their willingness to trust God in their struggles enabled them to walk in joy and maintain peace even with their enemies, knowing a better reward awaited them when the Lord returned.

Answer: Through Christ

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

The secret of contentment for Paul was to trust Christ to give him whatever strength he needed in whatever situation he found himself. I might add I have found that to be true in my own life as well.