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Paul and His Letter to the Philippians (Udemy.com)

Join Prof. N.T. Wright to study one of the most joyful and delightful books in the New Testament.

Created by: N.T. Wright

Last updated October 2019

Our take

Based on the ratings of 507 students, a sample of their written reviews and the syllabus, as the course stood in October 2019. No course pays to be reviewed.

This is N.T. Wright's verse-by-verse walk through Paul's letter to the Philippians, built around 54 short lectures split into six sections that follow the letter's four chapters. It runs about five hours of video but is designed to stretch over thirteen weeks alongside quizzes, discussion prompts, and readings from Wright's own commentary, the required textbook. Co-instructor David Seemuth adds discussion support. It's listed for all levels, aimed at a general audience without requiring prior theological training, though it rewards patience for a slow, reflective pace over a quick survey.

Reviewers, including one on his thirteenth Wright course, consistently praise his grasp of Roman and Jewish background and his warm, conversational delivery. Amber Passini says it feels like getting a seminary education at a fraction of the cost. Donald Bader called it more like a conversation with a friend than a lecture. Complaints in the sample are quiet: buying the required commentary on top of a paid course is a real added cost, and the material hasn't been refreshed since 2019, though the theology itself doesn't really date. No captions are listed either.

At five hours of lectures spread across thirteen weeks of guided reading, this rewards patience more than convenience. It suits a devotional study group better than a lunch-break binge. With a 4.8 rating from 507 reviews, most reviewers already know Wright's work and keep coming back for more. Newcomers should expect a class more than a lecture series, textbook included.

Best forChristians wanting seminary-level depth on Philippians without enrolling in seminary
Skip it ifYou want a fast survey or don't want to buy the required companion commentary

Pros

  • N.T. Wright's grasp of Roman and Jewish historical background stands out to reviewers
  • Feels conversational rather than lecture-style, per multiple reviews
  • Structured for reflection: 16 quizzes and discussions across a 13-week pace
  • 4.8 rating from 507 reviews, nearly all four and five stars

Cons

  • Requires buying Wright's separate commentary as the course textbook
  • Not updated since 2019, and no video captions listed
  • Slow, thirteen-week pace won't suit anyone wanting a quick overview
Feels like I'm getting a seminary education at a fraction of the cost and on my own pace.
Amber Passini, a student

Open to newcomers to theology, but paced for people willing to read and reflect, not skim.

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What you will learn

  • Develop a deeper appreciation for the way Paul presents his message as a prisoner for Christ in this delightful epistle.
  • Discern the implications of Paul's message as you look at the present age and manner of life around you
  • Understand the heart of Paul's message to the Philippian church
  • Apply the contents and principles of the letter to your own inner life of devotion
  • Present a coherent summary of this letter of hope and encouragement
  • Embrace the beauty of both ‘holiness’ and ‘unity’ as the people of God
  • Learn to live out your commitment to King Jesus in the ‘public square’ with conviction and fidelity

Course content

6 sections · 54 lectures · 5.2 hours of video 16 quizzes, 1 article

  1. 1Introduction to Paul and His Letter to the Philippians: What to Expect! 2 free previews2 lectures · 1 quiz · 5 min
  2. 2Philippians Chapter One: Greetings and Paul's Reflection on His Situation 2 free previews15 lectures · 5 quizzes · 1.5 hours
  3. 3Philippians Chapter Two: The Heart of the Matter13 lectures · 4 quizzes · 1.2 hours
  4. 4Philippians Chapter Three: Paul's Past Life and Present Purpose14 lectures · 4 quizzes · 1.1 hours
  5. 5Philippians Chapter Four: Final Reflections and Directives to the Philippians8 lectures · 2 quizzes · 41 min
  6. 6Final Thoughts and Q & A2 lectures · 12 min

Who it is for

The instructor says it suits

  • This course is intended for anyone who has an interest in the message of the New Testament and who would like to learn the beauty and intricacies of one of the Apostle Paul's most joyful letters.
  • This course is designed for a general audience. You do not have to have previous theological training to understand the concepts.
  • This course is meant to take time and reflection. It is not meant to be a 'crash course' in the study of the New Testament.

What you need before you start

  • The textbook is Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters– Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians and Philemon. John Knox Press. ISBN:0664227880.

How it compares

Against the other 503 rated Udemy courses in Teaching & Academics on CourseDuck:

  • Rating4.8 out of 5higher than 87% of them
  • Reviews507#237 of 504 by number of reviews
  • Length5.2 hourslonger than 65% of them
  • Last updatedOctober 2019earlier than 84% of them

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Course Description

Prof. N.T. Wright, renowned biblical scholar and historian will walk you through Paul's Letter to the Philippians. The course is a reflection of how to think and live in light of the death and resurrection of King Jesus. The powerful realities of 'unity' and 'holiness' are combined through the proper way to think about the work of God in Christ. The central portion of the letter, Phil 2:6-11, provides the foundation for understanding the whole of the letter and Paul's own way of life. Dig deep into the New Testament through studying this wonderful and practical epistle.

This course is meant to take around thirteen weeks to complete. While you may take the course at your own pace, you are encourage to take time to reflect upon the material presented in the textbook and in the lectures.

The textbook is Prof. Wright's commentary on Philippians in the Paul for Everyone series published by John Knox Press in the U.S. and SPCK in the UK.

The structure of the course includes:

  • Lectures by Prof. Wright
  • Quizzes to assess comprehension
  • Student discussions
  • Interaction with Prof. David Seemuth, your co-instructor for the course
  • Textbook readings
  • Interaction with the biblical text itself


If you are interested in a deeper knowledge of this important letter from the apostle Paul, then you will want to enroll in this course.

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Instructor Details

N.T. Wright

N.T Wright received his BA, MA and D.Phil. from Oxford University. He taught New Testament at Cambridge, McGill and Oxford Universities 1978-1993. He was Dean of Lichfield, then Canon of Westminster, then Bishop of Durham (Church of England), 1994-2010.  Prof. Wright is Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, and is currently Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. He has published over 85 books and hundreds of articles.  In 2014 Prof. Wright received the Burkitt Medal from the British Academy for services to New Testament scholarship. He enjoys music, golf the Isle of Harris, and spending time with his family in the midst of a busy schedule of writing and travelling.

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Reviews

4.8

507 ratings on Udemy

Select a bar to show only those reviews.Select the bar again to show every rating.

By Margaret Hoggard on 6/11/2024

Philippians has been a favourite book of mine, and it has been deeply gratifying to be led in a more thorough study of it by Dr. Wright. As always, his grasp of the early Christian world, the nuances of culture and language, and the theological challenges for Christians then and now are deeply illuminating. I have had many learning experiences with Dr. Wright through his books, courses, and lectures, and I always gain a deeper understanding from him of the faith. He is a remarkable theologian and and spiritual guide.

By Roger Siswick on 1/13/2019

I think this is my 13th N. T. Wright Online course and, as I start listening to and reading through Philippians, I am as enthusiastic as I was on travelling through my first adventure with Prof. Wright. Paul’s letters are nothing short of being spectacularly inspirational but also challenging; this is the way to live, says Paul and he sets us the example through his own ministry. Nothing can prevent me from wanting to know as much as I can about his thought. And, equally Prof. Wright seems to me to be as inspirationl as Paul; there is so much understanding in his explanations of the text and it’s contextual scenery. Truly remarkable work from both of them. I should also like to pay due regard to David Seemuth and Jennifer Loop for yet another remakably relevant intervention in our misguided lives; it has been transformational for me.

By Kristine Morphew on 11/28/2017

N.T. Wrights teaching of scripture is interesting and brings it alive in it's first century context. I like the way that He connects Pauls letter to the imagery that is found in Isaiah and in the passover. My only complaint is that in about a third of the printed downloads would not open up on my computer.

By Annie Smith on 10/18/2016

As always, Professor Wright gives clear, informative, relevant and engaging information. He demonstrates how the particular scripture fits in to the whole story of the bible and links relevant parts of the bible to support/reveal his argument. His delivery is of one who loves the Lord and that is infectious and uplifting, at the same time informing us of his interpretation. I feel through his teaching, in Professor Wright, the comfort and contentedness, as Paul in Philippians, is to see the renewing of his students minds and in that, for me, Professor Wright has achieved that goal. Thank you Professor Wright and Dr Seemuth for the delivery of this course.

By Eric Sears on 9/15/2016

Studying Philippians with N.T Wright was an amazing experience. Wright truly brings the letter to life and helps his students confront the meaning and applications of the letter for both Paul's original hearers and to the church today. Taking this course truly helped me to gain a larger understanding of shaping my mindset to conform with the obedience of Christ (or as professor Wright would articulate it, having the Messiah mindset). This course provides a lot to think about, reflect on, and live out.

By Bob Jackson on 3/27/2016

N. T. Wright is one of the most impressive, dynamic and excellent teachers of the scriptures and of Christian theology that I currently know of. This course is no exception. The course is well done. His thoughts on Philippians 2: 6-11 are worth the price of the course alone. His insights on this passage, as well as the entire book, his thoughts on prayer and the like, make this a most valuable addition to a believers growth and maturity. I continue to read and listen to everything this man puts out, although I can not keep up with such a prolific teacher, writer and speaker. I do this out of gratitude and in an effort to be the best follower of King Jesus that I can become.

By David Nelson on 2/17/2016

I have benefited from this study of Philippians with N.T. Wright. He has helped clarify several aspects of the letter, particularly the hymn to Christ in chapter 2 as well as Paul's purpose in discussing his autobiography in chapter 3. But there is one particular section in 2:12-18 that was particularly eye opening for me. First, the narrative of Israel that is playing in the background. Second, N.T. Wright clarified the phrase "work out your own salvation" as meaning (paraphrasing here) "figure out how you are going to live as faithful followers of Jesus." Thanks!

By Don Skinner on 12/11/2015

I just could not put this course down. It was totally inspiring, joyful and illuminating. As time permits I am now going through it again slowly soaking in more detail, reflecting more deeply and above all trying to apply it to my life. I was most taken by Tom’s beautifully balanced discussion of areas where there is no consensus. I think he offers a great model of how to provide a convincing, positive interpretation, while acknowledging different views (rather than just dismissing them) and recognising what we don’t know and probably can’t know in the forseeable future.

By G on 11/3/2015

Prof. Wright offers a highly informative and comprehensive view in Paul and His Letter to the Philippians. I appreciate Prof. Wright’s ability to paint the broad picture, while giving key minute details. Furthermore, he does a terrific job explaining the “worldview” of the people/culture of those times and how it equates to our lives today. The entirety of the information is very easy to understand. This is a wonderful course for anyone looking to gain a much better understanding of Paul and His Letter to the Philippians. The class provides a well-rounded experience, from Prof. Wright’s teaching to the quizzes, assignments, discussions, and all of the ingredients that make this an outstanding course!!!

By Peter Muenkel on 10/31/2015

Are you ready for a change? Are you ready for joy? Are you ready to see new possibilities opening up? Are you ready to experience how a celebration in holiness and unity with the Lord can give way to a whole new world and a whole new life? Then get ready to dive into this course. I’m new to NT Wright’s books and videos. A strange phenomenon comes over me when I listen to the Bishop; I feel as though I’m losing the ‘Fear of the Lord”. I’m not. I’m losing my terror of the Lord and is being replaced by a calm and peace that passes understanding. Enjoy!

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Overall Score : 96 / 100