During the second missionary journey the apostle Paul, along with his
companions, enter Europe and bring the gospel message with them. Philippi
was one of the first towns in which they preached this message west of
the Aegean Sea. There they made converts and a small but strong congregation
of the Lord's people began. In this epistle to them, written while Paul
was imprisoned in Rome, is revealed the most personal writings of Paul
to a congregation. Paul wanted them to know how much he appreciated their
care and concern for him. He wanted them to know that Christ was the driving
force in his life and he hoped in theirs also.
Two words 'dominate this epistle. One is gospel which is mentioned
nine times in these four short chapters, and the other is joy. Among the
uses of the word gospel is that Paul wanted the Philippian Christians to
know that he was set for the defense of the gospel, and he had joy that
the gospel was being preached. He looked prayerfully to the time of his
release from prison when he could come to them personally. He also expressed
his joy that they had sent to his aid personally through their faithful
brother Epaphroditus, whom while with Paul was taken seriously ill, but
now recovered. Paul attributed his recovery to God answering his prayer.
May we rejoice in the preaching of the gospel like the apostle Paul.