Philippians is one of Paul's most informal letters. With this church he did not feel the need to assert his apostolic authority. His overflowing love for them is obvious. He even allowed them to send him money, which was very unusual for him. Joy in suffering is the overwhelming theme of this letter. Paul is imprisoned, yet he uses the term for joy (noun and verb) over sixteen times. His peace and hope were not based on circumstances, but on knowing Christ (3:10) and pursing that prize as his highest ambition. All was dung compared to this goal (3:8). The author's approach to this commentary series is devotional with plenty of practical application.