PHILIPPIANS, BOOK OF

The Philippian church was established by Paul on his first missionary journey (Acts 16:11ff). These people quickly secured a place in the great apostle's heart. This letter, written some ten years after the founding of the congregation, is designed to thank them for their support in the gospel all these years. It is also an appeal to these brothers to stay united, because there were threats to peace from without and within the church. Too, it offers a word of commendation on behalf of Epaphroditus, a helper of Paul's from the city of Philippi, who had been ill and was being sent home. It is a letter of great love and joy.