When the apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Philippi, probably from Rome C.A.D. 62, he encouraged the Philippians to live as citizens of a heavenly city, growing in their commitment to serve God and one another. Jesus is the supreme example of this way of life.
Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus try to be good examples as well. As Paul wrote to the Philippians from prison, he had several purposes in mind: (1) to tell them that Epaphroditus had recovered from a serious illness; (2) to encourage them in their faith; (3) to assure them that he was still in good spirits; and (4) to thank them for their continued support.