The Epistle of Joy
The Epistle to the Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul from his prison cell in Rome in 62 A.D.
- Of the four Prison Epistles, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, Philippians was the last one Paul wrote.
- Fearing his execution was near, Paul wanted his followers to know how much he appreciated their financial support, and assure them that he planned to visit with them again when he was released from prison.
- However, Paul said he welcomed death if it would, in any way, enhance the spread of the gospel.
- Paul exhorted his readers to remain steadfast in their faith, and to follow him as he followed Christ, who “emptied Himself,” of the power and glory of His heavenly position, and then submitted Himself unto the Father’s will, by becoming “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”