Philippians, Epistle to the

The Epistle to the Philippians was written by Paul from Rome during his first captivity (AD 62–63) to the church at Philippi — the first church he planted in Europe (Acts 16:12–40). The relationship between Paul and the Philippians was uniquely warm; they alone among his churches sent him financial support on multiple occasions (Phil. 4:15–16), and the letter carries a tone of joy and mutual affection throughout. The letter's doctrinal center is the famous Christ-hymn of Philippians 2:5–11, which traces the trajectory of Christ from equality with God through self-emptying incarnation and obedient death on the cross, to exaltation and universal lordship — offered as the model for Christian humility. Paul also warns against Judaizing teachers (Phil. 3:2), shares his own autobiographical renunciation of confidence in the flesh in favor of "the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Phil. 3:8), and commends contentment learned in all circumstances (Phil. 4:11–13). The exhortation to "rejoice in the Lord always" (Phil. 4:4) is one of the NT's most celebrated imperatives.