Christian Gratitude (Philippians 4:10-13)

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know

Fifth Sunday, Ordinary Time, Year B, Second Reading (1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23)

16 For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may

Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30)

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on

Love and Knowledge (Philippians 1:7-8)

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. These verses return to

Giving Thanks (Philippians 1:3-6)

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Verses three

Background to the Letter to the Philippians

Paul founded the church in Philippi around 49AD. It was the first church he founded in Europe, and also the only congregation from which he took money for his own personal upkeep so he obviously thought very highly of it. More than any other congregation, Paul considered them his friends. The story of Paul’s missionary

Paul the Missionary

Paul proclaimed that, through Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, God is reconciling the world to himself. Note that he did not threaten people with hellfire or entertain people with his oratorical or theatrical skills (although he certainly wrote some of the most beautiful passages of the Bible). He just announced the good news that God, through