| Former half | Relation | Latter half |
| 1 Salutation (1:1-11) For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. (1:8) | Love | 3 Imitating Christ's humility (2:1-11) 2:1 If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, 2:2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. (2:1-2) |
| Former half | Relation | Latter half |
| 4 Shining as lights in the world (2:12-18) see 1-1 | see 1-1 | 6 Breaking with the past (3:1-16) see 1-1 |
| Former half | Relation | Latter half |
| 7 Pressing toward the goal (3:17-21_4:1) He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself. (3:21) | Glory is given | 9 Final greeting and benediction (4:10-23) My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (4:19) |