Paul was a joyful prisoner of the Lord, yet he never wrote more warmly nor more wisely than in this letter to the Philippians. He was cetainly not blind to the church's faults. Paul begins and ends with wishing God's grace on them. The author suggests the book is a 'thank-you' letter to the church for their grace to Paul and he hopes that this volume will be a challenge to Christians to conduct ourselves in a way that is worthy of the gospel. In the foreword, Dick Lucas says, 'Evidently there was some dissension in this lively Christian community, due to personal jealousies and animosities. Unfortunately the same can be just as true today. The gospel is still at times preached from motives of selfish ambition and rivalry. All of us are still inclined to look after our own interests only. And fine Christian workers ... are still quarrelling ... Be warned by this letter, be guided by it and be refreshed by it'.
