The word “finally” or “further,” which begins this chapter (see “Literary Unity” in introduction), might lead Paul’s readers to expect some concluding remarks, especially since the exhortation to “rejoice in the Lord” appears to be such an apt summary of what Paul has previously written. But the whole tone of the letter changes abruptly in 3:2, and a new subject is introduced rather unexpectedly. This change of tone and subject has led several scholars to suggest that Philippians 3 is actually a fragment of an earlier letter that has been grafted into the main body of the epistle. There is, however, no manuscript evidence to support such a claim, and although the change of tone is striking, there is a basic similarity in theme between Philippians 3 and the rest of the letter. Paul still h…