Philippians

Philippians is Paul's warm letter of joy, written from prison to a beloved church that had supported him. Though in chains, he overflows with thankfulness and encouragement, urging the Philippians to 'rejoice in the Lord always' (4:4) whatever their circumstances.

At its centre is the great hymn of Christ who 'emptied himself' and humbled himself to death on a cross, and was therefore exalted above all (2:5–11). Philippians presses on toward Christ as the one goal — 'to live is Christ, and to die is gain' (1:21) — and radiates contentment and peace amid hardship.