atly concerned about him,
therefore they sent Epaphroditus with gifts and offerings to
him (4:18). This was not the first time that they had
taken thought of and remembered their founder, in a
similar way (4:15, 16). The Apostle was very grateful for
their care (4:10-14). While in Rome, Epaphroditus
was taken very sick and came near death (2:25-28).
As soon as he had recovered from his sickness Paul sent
him back to Philippi (2:28), with this letter. The
reference to Caesar's household shows how strong a hold
Christianity was getting in Rome (4:22; 1:12-14), and
that there was great boldness in proclaiming the gospel.

+Objects.+--It is an Epistle of thanks to the Philippians
for their kindness (4:10-18) in remembering the Apostle
with substantial gifts in his work and for their fellowship
(1:5) in the gospel.

Another object is to give them friendly advices and
warnings (2:12-24; 3:2-3, 17-21). Paul does not
forget, in this connection, to remind them of Him to
whom they owe a whole-hearted allegiance, their Lord
and Master, Jesus Christ (4:1).

The great doctrinal object, the Supremacy of Christ,
is also set forth as is markedly manifest in the Epistles of
Colossians and Ephesians. The whole Christian creed,
"the incarnation, passion, and exaltation of Christ" is
expressed in the second chapter (2:5-11), "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." The great end to be
attained is likeness to Christ (2:5).

+Time of Writing.+--This epistle is generally regarded
as the latest of the letters written during the first
imprisonment in Rome, and in the same year with those to the
churches at Colossae, and Ephesus. It was probably sent
to Philippi shortly after the other Epistles (Colossians,
Philemon, and Ephesians) had been dispatched to Asia
Minor.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+--This epistle
is divided into two parts.

First part (1:1-3:1).

I. Introduction (1:1-2:4). (a) Greeting. (b) Paul's
thanksgiving, joy in the fellowship, and prayer for the
Philippians. (c) An account of the rapid spread of the
gospel in Rome and the apostle's rejoicing that Christ is
preached. (d) Exhortation to unity in Christ.

2. Doctrinal (2:5-12). In this short passage we
have the Christian creed in brief form. "The Godhead
of Chris