The Apostle Paul is in chains in Rome when he wrote this letter to the church at Philippi. He was with Timothy, who may have scribed the letter. We also see that the church now has overseers, or bishops, and deacons as leadership. Paul blessed them with "Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Then verses 3-8 are the thanksgiving section. Paul did not need to defend his apostleship, because they are his friends, and partners in the gospel. He thinks of them fondly, and he used the word of joy or joyful 16 times in this letter. Acts 16:11-15 tells the story of how this church started with Paul, Silas, and Timothy with Lydia and her household as the first converts. This may have been the first church started on European soil. Paul told them he was confident, "That He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Even at our death, that work continues until Christ comes again. Then verses 9-11 are Paul's prayer for the church, which is a great section of Scripture to memorize. He prays their love will grow in knowledge and depth of insight, so they can grow in discernment knowing what is best, that they may be filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes only through Jesus Christ because He paid the price for our sins when He died on the cross, and because of Christ, we may be pure and blameless before God, to His glory and praise.
