Paul wrote this, probably his last letter, to the church of Philippi while sitting on death row in Rome. He had a strong history and connection with the church he had founded in Philippi and it had been a port of call on other missionary journeys.

As he wrote this letter he felt pangs of longing and joy as he remembered his dear friends and the roller coaster ride he experienced when he was first led to Philippi by a man in a vision (Acts 16). He remembered Lydia, the wealthy dealer in purple cloth, a God fearer, who he had met by the river praying and who had become one of the first to respond to the gospel; the clairvoyant slave girl, whose conversion had stirred up the town and resulted in Paul being imprisoned. And then the conversion of the jailer and his family following an earthquake rocking the prison at midnight.

What a mixed bag made up this church! Yet they were dear friends, partners and supporters of his work for the gospel, exuding joyful generosity like no other church (2 Cor 8.1-5) and progressing in their walk with the Lord.