Paul was under house arrest in Rome for two years. Many people were allowed to come and go as they pleased. Timothy, who had worked so closely with Paul, had come to him. Timothy was with Paul, Silas, and Luke when they established the church at Philippi. The Philippians heard that Paul was in custody at Rome. They sent Epaphroditus to Rome to give Paul money and needed supplies. While on his mission, Epaphroditus became very sick (Philippians 2:26-27). In fact, he almost died. The Philippians heard about his illness. Paul knew they would be worried about him so he sent him back to Philippi. He wrote them the letter we call “Philippians” and sent it with him.
Paul began the Philippian letter acknowledging that Timothy was with him (Philippians 1:1). This would be good news to the Philippians. It would give them great comfort to know that his friend, Timothy, was with him. He addressed the letters to the bishops, also known as elders or overseers, and deacons. These are important offices that God authorized to be a part of each local congregation. Paul told them how much he missed them and appreciated their gift. He gave them credit for being partakers in his ministry by contributing to it so generously.
Paul told the Philippians that he was in jail because God was using him to further promote the Gospel. He actually would rather depart this earth and be with Christ, but he knew that God was using him to encourage many people, including the Philippian church. He encouraged them to work together and continue to obey God. Paul told them that he would send Timothy to them soon. He planned to visit them too as soon as he discovered how his trial turns out.
Paul began the Philippian letter acknowledging that Timothy was with him (Philippians 1:1). This would be good news to the Philippians. It would give them great comfort to know that his friend, Timothy, was with him. He addressed the letters to the bishops, also known as elders or overseers, and deacons. These are important offices that God authorized to be a part of each local congregation. Paul told them how much he missed them and appreciated their gift. He gave them credit for being partakers in his ministry by contributing to it so generously.
Paul told the Philippians that he was in jail because God was using him to further promote the Gospel. He actually would rather depart this earth and be with Christ, but he knew that God was using him to encourage many people, including the Philippian church. He encouraged them to work together and continue to obey God. Paul told them that he would send Timothy to them soon. He planned to visit them too as soon as he discovered how his trial turns out.