Philippians 1

Philippi is in what is now Greece. Luke mentions the stat of a church their in Acts. Paul writes to thank the Philippians for a gift they sent him while he was (is) imprisoned in Rome. This letter should probably be dated towards the end of Paul's life, say 63 AD. Paul obviously is please with this church.

 

Overseers can be translated "bishops." Deacons are servants of the people. Paul uses joy a lot in this letter. Paul sees real progress in the faith of his followers.

 

"The day of Christ" can mean Jesus' Second Coming or it could mean any day in the life of a person or church where what we have done gets seen for what it is. You might call this any time when how we live will be judged (by God or others) by the fruit we have produced in our life and the lives of those around us.

 

Paul is preaching even to Caesar's prison guards. Paul knows that, even in prison and awaiting possible death, his life will brig attention to Christ. Paul yearns to be closer to Him even if it means death. Paul sees that dying may be a bit selfish since others depend on him.

 

Paul is pleased with the unity of the Philippian church. Evidently they are suffering because of their belief yet are standing unified and firm in that faith.