Coptic Bible: Philippians

This is the complete text of Paul's Epistle to the Philippians in Bohairic Coptic, the dialect of ancient Egyptian Christianity used liturgically by the Coptic Orthodox Church. The letter is co-authored by Paul and Timothy and addressed to the church at Philippi along with its bishops and deacons, written while Paul is imprisoned. Paul expresses deep affection for the Philippians, thanks them for their ongoing partnership in the gospel, and reflects that his imprisonment has paradoxically advanced the faith — even if some preach Christ from rivalry rather than love. The letter's theological heart is the famous kenosis hymn (2:5–11), which portrays Christ as preexisting in divine form yet emptying himself to take on human likeness, becoming obedient unto death, and therefore being exalted by God above all names. Paul urges the community toward radical unity, humility, and selfless regard for others, warns against opponents he calls "dogs" who trust in circumcision and fleshly credentials, and uses his own Jewish pedigree to argue that all such advantages are loss compared to knowing Christ. A distinctive practical concern runs throughout: the Philippians are the one community that supported Paul financially from the beginning, and his warm thanks for their gift — delivered by Epaphroditus, who nearly died in service — gives the letter an unusually personal and reciprocal tone absent from his more polemical letters.

Coptic Bible: Philippians

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