The Fourteenth Philippic consists of two parts, one argumentative and the other eulogistic. There is no lack of connection, however, for the argument is necessary as a basis for the eulogy. The substance of the speech may be stated in one sentence: "Antony is an enemy to the state ( hostis) ; hence the victory of the consuls should receive the honors regularly awarded only to successes in foreign wars." The opening passage (sects. 0 1 - 5 ) is in form an objection to the proposed vote to lay aside the military garb; but it is in effect an exordium, since it serves to introduce Cicero's first proposition, — that Antony is a public enemy. This proposition is established in sects. 0 6 - 25 , and the rest of the oration is a tribute of honor to the generals and their soldiers. The sententia with which the address concludes (sects. 36 - 38 ) sums up all that Cicero has said, and takes the place of the usual peroratio.

Sects. 13 - 20 form a digression in which Cicero defends himself from certain attacks on the purity of his intentions. But this digression is closely connected on the one hand with the rejoicings over the victory and on the other with the necessity of declaring Antony a hostis.