Problem: Some critics assert that Paul appears to be wrapping up his letter in 3:1 (“Finally, my brethren…”). However, Paul continues to write for another two chapters. Then, in Philippians 4:8, we read that Paul repeats himself by saying “finally…” all over again. In addition, Polycarp (2nd century) refers to the “letters” (plural) of Paul to the Philippians (To the Philippians, 3.2). Is Philippians really a letter that was spliced together?
Solution: A number of arguments can be made to support the unity of this letter:[1]
First, there is no manuscript evidence for this view.[2] We only have the complete book of Philippians—not separate documents.
Second, portions of the second half of Philippians build on themes from the first half. For instance, Paul’s teaching on the humiliation of Christ (compare 3:20-21 with 2:6-11) and financial giving (compare 4:10ff with 2:25).
Third, Paul often changes direction in his letters (e.g. Rom. 16:16-27), so this shouldn’t surprise us. In fact, Paul could’ve written this letter over the course of several days, and he could’ve received more information about the church of Philippi—thus accounting for the change in content.
Fourth, spotting interpolations is highly subjective, when you consider how many issues Paul had to bring up in his letters. What might appear to be an interpolation is actually just a shift in direction or focus.
Fifth, when Paul writes, “To write the same things again…” (Phil. 3:1), he is referring to the subject of rejoicing, which has come up throughout the letter, rather than referring to an earlier letter. Moreover, Paul’s use of the word “finally” can also be rendered “in addition” (BDAG).[3]
Sixth, Polycarp’s reference to plural letters can be understood in several different ways—none of which would affect the unity of the letter: (1) Polycarp erred in making this declaration; (2) Polycarp was referring to 1 and 2 Thessalonians, which were written to the same area of Macedonia and were no doubt circulated, or (3) there were other letters written to the Philippians which were not persevered for us (cf. 1 Cor. 5:9).[4]
Finally, even those who question the unity of the letter still believe that “Paul was the author of the various parts.”[5] Thus, even if Philippians was originally multiple and separate letters brought into a unity (a theory we find spurious), this still wouldn’t ruin the integrity of apostolic authorship.
[1] Summarized from Ben Witherington Friendship and Finances in Philippi: The Letter of Paul to the Philippians (Valley Forge: Trinity, 1994), 27-28. Cited in Blomberg, Craig. From Pentecost to Patmos: an Introduction to Acts through Revelation. Nashville, TN: B & H Academic, 2006. 327.
[2] Gundry writes, “The theory lacks manuscript evidence. It is better to suppose a break in dictation, perhaps with fresh news from Philippi about a threat of false teachers there. Paul intended to close but now thinks it necessary to prolong the letter with a warning against the Judaizers.” Gundry, Robert Horton. A Survey of the New Testament. 4th ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Pub. House, 2003. 432.
[3] Kent, H. A., Jr. (1981). Philippians. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians through Philemon (Vol. 11, p. 97). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
[4] Kent, H. A., Jr. (1981). Philippians. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians through Philemon (Vol. 11, p. 97). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
[5] Kent, H. A., Jr. (1981). Philippians. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians through Philemon (Vol. 11, p. 96). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. (Phil 3:3-12)”
