The New Testament book entitled Philippians waswritten by the Apostle Paul during his imprisonment to the
church hefounded at Philippi. Although he was in prison,Philippians is a
joy-filled letter to his friends and co-workers forChrist. The church members at Philippi send money and provisions toPaul during his travels spreading the
word of God, and also while hewas in prison. Paul tells the
people to always be filled with joy andthe
message of Christ. They are to spread the gospel to all they meet.While Paul has heard that there were preachers around Philippi thatwere teaching the true message, but only doing so to make money. Paulreminds them, and us, that it is the message being preached that isimportant, and if people are hearing the Word, it doesn?t matter themotivations of the speaker. Paul also tells the people ofPhilippi that he thinks of them constantly with love and joy. He isthankful that they continue on with his work while he is unable to doso. He informs them with joy of his success in teaching the Romans whoguard him in bringing the message of Christ to them, and their openhearts to receive that message. Paul writes that he willbe sending to them his
fellow minister/companion, Timothy, as soon ashis, Paul?s circumstances are resolved. But currently, Paul is sendingEpaphroditus, whom Paul calls his brother and fellow worker, back toPhilippi. Apparently, Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippi church totake care of Paul while he is a prisoner. While with Paul, Epaphroditusbecame so ill that he nearly died and word of this reached the Philippichurch. The people there were concerned for their fellow believer. Wordof that concern reached Paul and Epaphroditus, and Paul states thiscaused him and Epaphroditus distress. Paul was joyfully sendingEpaphroditus home to Philippi with thanksgiving that he had come andEpaphroditus was happy to be returning home. Paul alsoreminds them, and us, that joy and happiness cannot be found inmaterial possessions or in the flesh. Paul remembers that he himselfhas been poor and wealthy and he has lost everything, considers it allrubbish, as he has earned Christ. He encourages them to press on to thegoal of Christ and heaven. At the end of the letter, Paulagain thanks the people for all their many gifts to him, and encouragesthem to remain faithful and be content in every situation they face.
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