When was Philippians written?

Paul’s letter to the Philippians is known as one of his prison epistles because he wrote it while under arrest for proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even though he was confined and awaiting trial, Paul expressed great joy in the letter and encouraged the Philippians to share in that joy. He exclaimed, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Paul wrote Philippians after his missionary journeys, during his house arrest in Rome, in AD 61.

Understanding Paul’s background helps clarify this dating. In the opening verse of Philippians, he identifies himself, writing, “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi” (Philippians 1:1). This matches Luke’s account in Acts 16:11–40, which records Paul’s visit to the church in Philippi, a city in the region of Macedonia. Luke notes, “We traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days” (Acts 16:12). This visit took place during his second missionary journey, c. AD 49—52.

Additional internal evidence in Philippians supports the view that Paul wrote the letter during his first Roman imprisonment around AD 61. Specifically, he refers to his circumstances in prison several times throughout the letter, explaining that his confinement had served to advance the gospel. He writes, “It has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ” (Philippians 1:13). This reference to the “palace guard,” along with his mention of “Caesar’s household” (Philippians 4:22), suggests that Paul was writing from Rome, where the Emperor lived.

Furthermore, Paul’s mention of Epaphroditus helps confirm that he wrote Philippians during his Roman imprisonment. Epaphroditus had traveled from Philippi to deliver a gift from the church. While he was with Paul, Epaphroditus became ill (Philippians 2:25–27). News of his condition reached Philippi, and the believers there became concerned. When Paul learned of this, he sent Epaphroditus back with this letter. These events show that enough time had passed for messages and travel between Rome and Philippi. This timeline fits better with Paul’s longer stay in Rome than with his shorter imprisonments in Caesarea or Ephesus.

Furthermore, Paul’s expectation of a verdict in his case (Philippians 1:20–26; 2:23–24) indicates that his Roman imprisonment was nearing its conclusion. He writes, “Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith” (Philippians 1:25). He later adds, “And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon” (Philippians 2:24). Taken together, these clues support the conclusion that Paul wrote Philippians near the end of his imprisonment in Rome, around AD 61.

Writing with joy despite his imprisonment, Paul encourages believers to live fully for Jesus. Yet, even when his life on earth ends, he will still have joy, writing, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Philippians reminds Christians that true joy comes from knowing Jesus and living for Him.