(A.D.60-63?) [A letter of practical matters from the heart of Paul while in prison in Rome.] Salutations from Paul and Timothy from Rome to the Church body at Philippi, a Church of great grace and brotherly love. Paul's thanks for their generous fellowship in his ministry, confident of their endurance to the end during perilous times. God is able to finish that which He purposes and begins, even amid much suffering for Christ's sake. In fact, his present bonds in Rome have been turned to the furtherance of the gospel, even in the palace where he is currently held prisoner. This should be the common goal of all: to preach Christ, no matter if some do while holding him in derision; He is preached, and that is the most important thing. God will reconcile all things in due time, with the many additional added to the Church because His message was preached by the more! Whether persecuted by the state or held in derision by fellow laborers, it does not matter; his life is Christ's. Death would be the welcome gift that would transport him into his Lord's immediate presence! However, it would be better for Christ and other's sake that he remain to minister; as a result, they are strengthened by his witness. His plans are to come to them upon release, meanwhile, he encourages them to continue in their ministry regardless of his location, position, or condition. All have been called to a common suffering, if in Christ. ( Jn.15:20; 16:33)

Knowing the substance through which the saints overcome, and reminiscent of Christ's last words to His disciples( Jn.15:11-13), Paul exhorts them to full joy and unity in the brotherhood, love flowing unrestricted from breast to breast, beating the message of Christ as witness to a lost and desperate dying world. This is the mind of Christ that produces a body in complete harmony, with no friction or disunity, "like-minded" = phroneo, "minding the same thing;" "in one accord" = simpsuchos, joint soul" or "joined souls." ( Jn.17:20-23) Such were those on the day of Pentecost ( Acts 1:14; 2:1, in "one accord."), and such he exhorts the same to be lived out in all disciples everywhere. Man, once made in the image of God, has now in the fullness of time witnessed God made in the likeness of men. And this Man was obedient as no other, fulfilling the perfect will of God, that He is now exalted higher than all others, so much so that every other will one day have to recognize Him as such! It is God, not any man, who inspires others to duty; consequently, all should labor to be accepted by Him, blameless in all things when each appears before Him at His Day, with joy prevailing over shame. Paul intends to dispatch Timothy to them shortly, hoping to be released to come soon himself. Their beloved Epaphroditus, who had made him glad with their gift of joy, has recovered from his illness and is en route back to them bearing these words. His commitment to Christ and His work is beyond question, having placed it before his own health.

Paul expresses his deep concern for their immunization against false teachers who follow after the gospel, frustrating it wherever possible (Judaizers). He warns them not to fall prey to their boastful Jewish heritage, achievements, and outward appearances. Remember that he also is of the house of Israel, and he put no further conditions on their salvation other than faith in Jesus Christ. For his personal testimony to this truth, his resume is given in brief, but all those things are counted to him as nothing, except for his personal acquaintance with Jesus. His desire is stated. He derives his power from nothing in his own accomplishments and zeal, only in the hope of the resurrection! His immovable unchangeable goal has been established in Him, and no obstacle will prevent its attainment. His eye is singular with his mind fixed upon Christ, therefore, his walk is without wavering. They are encouraged to be likewise. He marks the enemies of the cross for identification, contrasting them to the saints whose citizenship is heavenly. Christ will accomplish all things in due time, even the glorification of the believer's earthly body as His.

His heart is revealed in his affection for them and longing to see them; they are his joy and crown! (Such high words of praise. Would that it be said of all Christians everywhere!) Those women with personal differences are exhorted to be of one mind and that of Christ. Selfishness has no room in His kingdom! Benevolence to those who have assisted him is strongly encouraged. Paul turns now to instruct in their necessary conduct, knowing that Christ's return is imminent. Joy, moderation, prayer, supplication, thanksgiving, peace, truthfulness, honesty, justice, purity, loveliness in character, virtue, and praise -- all to be acted upon through sincere meditation. He is grateful for their expressions of care for him, being anxious in nothing, even when lacking, for he knows God is faithful not to forget the care of His own. Of all the churches, they alone are the ones from whom he accepted gifts, and now his heart is full from this, their most recent and unexpected sacrifice to him. God is rich to supply his needs and will, in turn, fill every void they may have. Final salutations and farewells from those with him in prison and in Rome, even those of the Emperor's house he has won to Christ!