Philippians

Part One: Introduction to Philippians

The Author and Date

"Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons" (1:1). Paul wrote as a prisoner (1:7, 13, 16), most likely during his first Roman imprisonment around AD 61-62. He mentions "the palace" (the praetorian guard, 1:13) and "Caesar's household" (4:22), and he was awaiting a verdict that might mean release or execution (1:20-26; 2:23-24). Some have suggested an earlier imprisonment at Ephesus or Caesarea, but Rome remains the traditional and most widely held view. Paul expected to be released (1:25; 2:24), and the Pastoral Epistles suggest that he was.

The City of Philippi

Philippi, in Macedonia (northern Greece), was named after Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. In 42 BC it was the site of the famous battle in which Antony and Octavian defeated Brutus and Cassius, the assassins of Julius Caesar. Afterwards Roman veterans were settled there, and it became a Roman colony, "the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony" (Acts 16:12). Its citizens enjoyed the rights of Roman citizens, governed themselves by Roman law, and were proud of their status. It lay on the Via Egnatia, the great Roman road linking east and west. Paul uses this background when he writes, "let your conversation [conduct yourselves as citizens] be as it becometh the gospel" (1:27) and "our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven" (3:20).

The Church at Philippi

The Philippian church was the first church founded in Europe, on Paul's second missionary journey, after the vision of the man of Macedonia (Acts 16:9-40). Its first members were remarkably varied: Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman from Thyatira; a slave girl delivered from a spirit of divination; and a Roman jailer converted after an earthquake. Paul and Silas had been beaten and imprisoned there (1 Thessalonians 2:2). The church loved Paul deeply and supported him financially again and again, even when they were poor (4:15-16; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 11:9). It had an organised leadership of "bishops [overseers] and deacons" (1:1).

The Occasion

The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus to Rome with a gift for Paul and to help him. Epaphroditus fell gravely ill but recovered (2:25-30). Paul sent him home with this letter to:

• thank the church for its gift (4:10-20);
• report on his circumstances and the progress of the gospel (1:12-26);
• encourage unity and humility, including between two women, Euodias and Syntyche (2:1-4; 4:2-3);
• warn against Judaizing teachers (3:2-3) and those who lived as "enemies of the cross" (3:18-19);
• commend Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-30).

Purpose and Theme

Philippians is a letter of joy written from a prison. Words for joy and rejoicing appear about sixteen times. Paul's joy did not depend on circumstances but on Christ, who is the centre of everything: His name or title appears more than forty times in these four chapters.

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Philippians 4:4

Outline of Philippians

Part Two: Chapter-by-Chapter Analysis

Section I: Joy in Spite of Suffering (Chapter 1)

Chapter 1:1-11 — Thanksgiving and Prayer

Paul and Timothy call themselves "servants" (bondslaves) of Jesus Christ (1:1). The church had two kinds of officers: "bishops" (overseers, the same as elders or pastors, Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5-7) and "deacons" (servants, 1 Timothy 3:8-13).

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ

Philippians 1:3-6

Their "fellowship in the gospel" was their partnership in spreading it, including their financial support. Paul was confident that God, who began the work of salvation in them, would carry it through to completion at Christ's return. What God starts, He finishes: a promise of the believer's security. Paul held them in his heart; they shared in his imprisonment and his defence of the gospel (1:7-8).

His prayer for them:

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9-11

Love must grow, guided by knowledge and discernment, so that believers can recognise what is best, live with integrity, and bear the fruit Christ produces.

Chapter 1:12-18 — The Gospel Advanced Through Chains

But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:12-14

Paul's imprisonment was not a setback but an advance. The soldiers of the elite praetorian guard, chained to him in shifts, heard the gospel, and the whole guard knew he was a prisoner for Christ. Other believers grew bold. Some preached Christ out of envy and rivalry, hoping to add to Paul's troubles; others out of love (1:15-17).

What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Philippians 1:18

These preachers proclaimed the true gospel with wrong motives; Paul could rejoice that Christ was preached. (This is very different from false teachers who preach "another gospel," whom Paul condemns in Galatians 1:8-9 and in Philippians 3:2.) Paul's joy was not tied to his own reputation.

Chapter 1:19-26 — To Live Is Christ

Paul knew that through their prayers and the Spirit's supply, his situation would turn out for his deliverance (1:19).

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:20-21

Paul's one aim was that Christ be magnified, made to look great, through his life or his death. For him, life meant Christ: knowing, serving and glorifying Him. Death would be gain, because it would bring him into Christ's presence.

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

Philippians 1:23-24

"Depart" was used for a ship lifting anchor or soldiers striking camp. At death the believer goes immediately to be with Christ, which is "far better" (2 Corinthians 5:8). Yet Paul was willing to stay for their sake, and was confident he would remain, "for your furtherance and joy of faith" (1:25-26).

Chapter 1:27-30 — Standing Firm Together

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries

Philippians 1:27-28

"Conversation" here means living as citizens. As the Philippians lived as proud Roman citizens, they must live as worthy citizens of heaven: united, standing firm, striving together like a team, and unafraid. "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake" (1:29). Suffering for Christ is a privilege given by God, like faith itself.

Section II: Joy in Serving (Chapter 2)

Chapter 2:1-4 — Unity Through Humility

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Philippians 2:1-4

Since believers share encouragement in Christ, the comfort of His love, the fellowship of the Spirit and tender compassion, they should be united in mind and love. Selfish ambition and conceit destroy unity; humility, which values others above oneself and looks to their interests, builds it.

Chapter 2:5-11 — The Mind of Christ

The supreme example of humility is Christ Himself. This passage is one of the most profound statements in Scripture about the person of Christ.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 2:5-8

• "Being in the form of God": "Form" (Greek morphe) means the essential nature. Christ always existed as God, sharing God's very nature.
• "Thought it not robbery to be equal with God": His equality with God was not something He had to seize or cling to at others' expense.
• "Made himself of no reputation": literally, "emptied himself." He did not cease to be God or give up any divine attribute; He laid aside the outward display of His glory and the independent use of His divine rights, by taking on human nature.
• "Took upon him the form of a servant": He who was truly God became truly a servant.
• "Was made in the likeness of men": a real human being.
• "He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death": He submitted completely to the Father's will.
• "Even the death of the cross": the most shameful and painful death, reserved for slaves and the worst criminals, and cursed by the law (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Then the movement reverses:

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11

Because He humbled Himself, God exalted Him to the highest place. In Isaiah 45:23 the LORD swears, "unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." Paul applies these words to Jesus: He is the LORD. One day every being in heaven, on earth and under the earth, angels, humans and demons, believers and unbelievers, will bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Believers do so willingly now; others will do so by compulsion at the judgment. The path of humility leads to exaltation, for Christ and for those who follow Him (1 Peter 5:6).

Chapter 2:12-18 — Working Out Salvation; Shining as Lights

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Philippians 2:12-13

Believers are not told to work for their salvation, but to work out what God has worked in, bringing it to full expression in daily life. They do so with reverent seriousness, and with confidence, because God Himself is at work in them, giving both the desire and the power to do His will.

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life

Philippians 2:14-16

Israel grumbled in the wilderness (Exodus 16; Numbers 14) and was "a perverse and crooked generation" (Deuteronomy 32:5). Believers must not complain or argue, but shine like stars against the darkness of a twisted world, holding out the word of life. Paul would rejoice even if his life were "offered" (poured out like a drink offering, Numbers 28:7) on the sacrifice of their faith (2:17-18; 2 Timothy 4:6).

Chapter 2:19-30 — Two Examples: Timothy and Epaphroditus

Paul gave two living examples of the mind of Christ.

Timothy (2:19-24). "For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel" (2:20-22). Timothy genuinely cared for others and put Christ's interests first.

Epaphroditus (2:25-30). Paul called him "my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants" (2:25). He had been "sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him" (2:27). (Paul did not heal him miraculously at will; even in the apostolic age, the gift of healing was not used for convenience, compare 2 Timothy 4:20.) He was distressed not about his own illness but that the church had heard he was sick (2:26). "Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life" (2:30). "Hold such in reputation" (2:29).

Section III: Joy in Believing (Chapter 3)

Chapter 3:1-6 — No Confidence in the Flesh

"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord" (3:1). Then a sharp warning:

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Philippians 3:2-3

Jews called Gentiles "dogs"; Paul turned the word on the Judaizers who insisted on circumcision. He called their circumcision "the concision" (mere mutilation). True believers are "the circumcision": they worship by the Spirit, rejoice in Christ, and put no confidence in human achievement or ritual.

If anyone could boast in the flesh, Paul could:

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Philippians 3:5-6

He had the right ritual, race, tribe, heritage, religious party, zeal and outward record.

Chapter 3:7-11 — Gain Counted Loss

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith

Philippians 3:7-9

Paul used the language of a business ledger. Everything he had counted as profit he moved into the loss column, even counted as refuse, compared with knowing Christ. He gave up his own righteousness, based on law-keeping, for the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ. This is justification by faith alone.

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Philippians 3:10-11

Paul's great passion was to know Christ personally and deeply: to experience His resurrection power, to share His sufferings, and to be conformed to His death in self-giving. "If by any means I might attain" expresses humble eagerness, not doubt about his salvation; he longed for the resurrection and lived toward it.

Chapter 3:12-16 — Pressing Toward the Mark

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14

Even the great apostle had not "arrived." Christ had laid hold of him for a purpose, and Paul strained to lay hold of it. Like a runner, he concentrated on "one thing," refused to be held back by past failures or achievements, leaned forward toward the finish line, and pressed on for the prize of God's upward call. Mature believers share this attitude; where they differ, God will reveal truth, but meanwhile they must live up to what they have already attained (3:15-16).

Chapter 3:17-21 — Citizens of Heaven

"Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample" (3:17). Paul warned, with tears, of many who lived as "the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things" (3:18-19). These professed Christians lived for appetite and earthly things, perhaps abusing grace as a licence for sin.

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Philippians 3:20-21

As Philippi was a colony of Rome, believers are a colony of heaven on earth. Their citizenship, King and future are there. They eagerly await the Saviour's return, when He will transform their weak, lowly bodies into bodies like His own glorious resurrection body (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 John 3:2), by the same power with which He will subdue all things.

Section IV: Joy in Giving and Receiving (Chapter 4)

Chapter 4:1-7 — Unity, Joy and Peace

"Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved" (4:1).

Two women at odds (4:2-3). "I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord" (4:2). These two women had laboured with Paul in the gospel, and their names were "in the book of life" (4:3), yet they had fallen out. Paul asked a "true yokefellow" to help them reconcile. Even faithful workers can disagree, and the church should help them restore harmony.

Rejoice and do not worry (4:4-7).

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Philippians 4:4-5

Joy in the Lord is commanded "alway," because it rests on the Lord, not on circumstances; Paul wrote these words in chains. "Moderation" means gentleness, a gracious, reasonable spirit. "The Lord is at hand": He is near, both present with us and coming soon.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

"Be careful for nothing" means do not be anxious about anything (Matthew 6:25-34). Instead of worrying, pray about everything, with thanksgiving. The result is not always that we get what we ask, but that God's peace, beyond human understanding, will "keep" (garrison, stand guard over) our hearts and minds, as Roman soldiers guarded Philippi.

Chapter 4:8-9 — Think on These Things

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

What we dwell on shapes who we become. Believers must deliberately fill their minds with what is true, honourable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy, and refuse what is not. Thinking must lead to doing: "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you" (4:9). The peace of God (4:7) comes with the presence of the God of peace (4:9).

Chapter 4:10-23 — Contentment and Thanks

Paul rejoiced that their care for him had "flourished again" in their gift (4:10).

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:11-13

Contentment is learned. Paul had experienced both poverty and plenty and had discovered the secret of being satisfied in either. That secret is Christ's strength. "I can do all things through Christ" means, in context, that Christ enables His servant to face any circumstance God allows and do whatever God calls him to do; it is not a promise of success in every personal ambition.

Yet Paul appreciated their kindness: "ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction" (4:14). From the beginning, no other church had partnered with him in giving and receiving; they had sent help again and again, even in Thessalonica (4:15-16). "Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account" (4:17). Their gift was credited to their heavenly account and was "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God" (4:18). Then the promise:

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

This promise was given to generous givers who had sacrificed to support God's work. God will meet every need, not merely out of His riches but "according to" them, on a scale worthy of His wealth. "Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (4:20).

The letter closes with greetings: "All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household" (4:22). The gospel had reached into the emperor's own staff. "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" (4:23).

Part Three: Christ in Philippians

Portraits of Christ

The Humiliation and Exaltation of Christ

Four Examples of the Mind of Christ

Part Four: Prophecies Fulfilled and Future

Part Five: Key Passages in Depth

Philippians 1:6 — God Finishes What He Starts

The God who began the good work of salvation will complete it on the day of Christ. The believer's assurance rests on God's faithfulness, not his own.

Philippians 1:12-18 — Chains That Advance the Gospel

What looked like defeat became an opportunity: the palace guard heard the gospel and other believers grew bold. God uses hardship to spread His Word.

Philippians 1:21-24 — To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain

For the believer whose life is centred on Christ, death holds no terror. Life means serving Christ; death means being with Christ, which is far better.

Philippians 2:1-11 — The Mind of Christ

Humility means valuing others and their interests. Christ, equal with God, emptied Himself, became a servant and died on a cross; God exalted Him to the highest place. One day every knee will bow to Him as Lord.

Philippians 2:12-16 — Work Out What God Works In

Believers work out their salvation with reverent seriousness because God is at work within them. Without complaining, they shine as lights in a dark world, holding out the word of life.

Philippians 3:7-14 — Counting All Loss to Know Christ

Paul exchanged every human advantage for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and having God's righteousness by faith. He pressed on toward the goal, forgetting the past, straining toward the prize.

Philippians 3:20-21 — Citizens of Heaven

Believers belong to heaven, await their Saviour from there, and will receive glorious bodies like His.

Philippians 4:4-9 — Joy, Prayer, Peace and Right Thinking

Rejoice always; replace worry with thankful prayer; receive God's guarding peace; fill your mind with what is good; and put into practice what you have learned.

Philippians 4:11-13, 19 — Contentment and Supply

Contentment is learned through Christ's strength in every circumstance, and God supplies every need of His generous people according to His riches in glory.

Part Six: The Major Teachings of Philippians

1. Joy in Christ

True joy depends on Christ, not circumstances (1:18; 3:1; 4:4).

2. The Security of the Believer

God will complete the work He began (1:6).

3. Life and Death in Christ

To live is Christ; to die is gain; to depart is to be with Christ (1:21-23).

4. The Deity and Humanity of Christ

Christ is in the form of God and equal with God, yet became truly man (2:6-8).

5. The Humiliation and Exaltation of Christ

He humbled Himself to the cross and is exalted as Lord of all (2:8-11).

6. Humility and Unity

Believers must be of one mind, valuing others above themselves (2:1-4; 4:2).

7. Sanctification

Believers work out their salvation as God works in them (2:12-13).

8. Justification by Faith

Righteousness comes from God through faith in Christ, not through law-keeping (3:9).

9. The Pursuit of Christlikeness

Knowing Christ and pressing on toward the goal (3:10-14).

10. Heavenly Citizenship and the Second Coming

Believers belong to heaven and await the Saviour who will transform their bodies (3:20-21).

11. Prayer and Peace

Prayer with thanksgiving replaces anxiety with God's peace (4:6-7).

12. Right Thinking

Believers must fill their minds with what is good (4:8).

13. Contentment

Learned through Christ's strength in every circumstance (4:11-13).

14. Christian Giving and God's Supply

Giving is a sacrifice pleasing to God, who supplies every need (4:15-19).

15. Church Leadership

The local church is led by bishops (overseers) and served by deacons (1:1).

Part Seven: Connections — How Philippians Links to the Rest of the Bible

Philippians and the Old Testament

Philippians and the New Testament

Themes That Run from Philippians Through Scripture

Part Eight: Practical Lessons

• Thank God for fellow believers who partner with you in the gospel (1:3-5).
• Trust God to finish His work in you and others (1:6).
• Pray for love that abounds in knowledge and discernment (1:9-10).
• See hardships as opportunities for the gospel (1:12).
• Rejoice whenever Christ is preached (1:18).
• Make Christ the centre of your life (1:21).
• Don't fear death; it is gain for the believer (1:21-23).
• Live as a worthy citizen of heaven (1:27).
• Stand together for the faith (1:27).
• Count suffering for Christ a privilege (1:29).
• Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit (2:3).
• Value others above yourself, and look to their interests (2:3-4).
• Let Christ's humility shape your attitude (2:5-8).
• Bow to Jesus as Lord now, willingly (2:10-11).
• Work out your salvation; God works in you (2:12-13).
• Stop grumbling and arguing (2:14).
• Shine as a light and hold out the word of life (2:15-16).
• Honour faithful servants of God (2:29).
• Put no confidence in the flesh (3:3).
• Count everything loss compared with knowing Christ (3:8).
• Rest in God's righteousness, not your own (3:9).
• Make knowing Christ your great ambition (3:10).
• Forget what lies behind; press toward the mark (3:13-14).
• Follow godly examples (3:17).
• Don't live for appetite and earthly things (3:19).
• Live in expectation of the Saviour from heaven (3:20).
• Help believers in conflict to reconcile (4:2-3).
• Rejoice in the Lord always (4:4).
• Be gentle toward all (4:5).
• Pray about everything instead of worrying (4:6).
• Let God's peace guard your heart and mind (4:7).
• Think on things that are true, pure and lovely (4:8).
• Practise what you have learned (4:9).
• Learn contentment in every circumstance (4:11-12).
• Draw on Christ's strength for whatever God calls you to (4:13).
• Give generously to God's work (4:15-18).
• Trust God to supply all your need (4:19).

Part Nine: Key Verses to Memorize

Conclusion

Philippians is a letter of joy written in chains. Paul, a prisoner in Rome facing possible death, wrote to his beloved friends at Philippi, the first church in Europe, who had supported him from the beginning. He thanked God for them, confident that God would complete His work in them. He rejoiced that his imprisonment had spread the gospel through the palace guard, and declared, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." He called them to unity and humility, and set before them the supreme example of Christ, who, being in the form of God, emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and became obedient to death on a cross, and whom God has exalted so that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord. He warned against confidence in the flesh and counted all his former advantages as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and His righteousness, pressing toward the mark as a citizen of heaven awaiting the Saviour. And he urged them to rejoice always, to pray instead of worrying, to think on what is good, and to learn contentment, as he had, through Christ who strengthened him, trusting the God who would supply all their need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21