Paul wrote this letter around 62 A.D. while imprisoned in Rome and awaiting for his final appeal before Caesar. He was chained to a guard in the lowest part of the prison, yet the key word and theme to his letter is joy. It seemed right to write to the Philippians from prison as three years prior he was imprisoned in Philippi. Acts 16 records his time in Philippi. Paul delivered a demon-possessed slave girl from the spirit of divination. Her masters became angry as they saw their fortune-telling franchise was eliminated. They arrested Paul and Silas and falsely accused them of “teaching customs, which are not lawful.”, which resulted in the jailer becoming born-again. (Acts 16:16-34)

Philippi was a capital city located in modern-day Greece. Paul planted the church in Philippi during his second missionary journey. The Philippian jailer and his family, Lydia, a seller of purple, and the slave girl who was delivered from demons were among those who comprised this early church in Philippi. In turn it grew into a healthy church who supported Paul more than any other church. Paul wrote this letter as a thank you for the gifts they had sent. He instructed them on unity within the church.

Regardless of the horrendous circumstances Paul learned the secret to contentment and joy. Therefore he shared this truth with a church he loved dearly. Timothy and Epaphroditus were among those who were with him during this time. They assisted him in the writings and delivery of his letters to various church. Epaphorditus personally delivered this letter to Philippi.

Philippian Christians witnessed firsthand how joy can come while enduring the most difficult circumstances, as Paul continued to encourage them of God always being in charge. Philippians is a priceless book which reveals to every Christian how to live above the current circumstances, rising above trials, not only surviving, but thriving in the joy of the Lord.