Philippians (New Cambridge Bible Commentary)

In this commentary, Michael F. Bird and Nijay K. Gupta situate Paul’s letter to the Philippians within the context of his imprisonment as well as the Philippians’ situation of suffering and persecution. Paul draws the Philippians’ attention to the power and progress of the gospel in spite of difficult circumstances. He also warns them about the dangers of rival Christian groups who preach out of poor motives or have a truncated gospel. Bird and Gupta unpack the rich wisdom and theology of the Christ Hymn (2:6–11). Throughout the commentary, they apply a broad range of exegetical tools to interpret this letter including historical, sociological, rhetorical, and literary analysis, and they give attention to the reception of this important Pauline text throughout history. Bird and Gupta also include short reflections on the meaning of Philippians for today. 

Michael F. Bird is Academic Dean and Lecturer in Theology at Ridley College, Melbourne. He is the author of commentaries on Romans and Colossians, and the author of An Anomalous Jew: Paul among Jews, Greeks, and Romans (2016) and The Saving Righteousness of God (2007). 

Nijay K. Gupta is Associate Professor of New Testament at Portland Seminary, Oregon. He has written commentaries on 1–2 Thessalonians and Colossians and is the author of Paul and the Language of Faith (2019). Together with Bird, he is a co-founder and served as the first editors of the Journal for the Study of Paul and His Letters.