Paul's letter to the Philippians is by far the most personal of his correspondence. The theological contents of this epistle take the form, not of a treatise, but of a heartfelt expression of his own faith and the faith Paul wishes his brothers and sisters in the church at Philippi to embody and exhibit.

Paul knows these people well, and they, him. As citizens of a specially privileged Roman colony, Philippian residents enjoyed more freedom and rights than others living under Roman rule. Nevertheless, Paul's message had succeeded in converting many of these wealthy, respected citizens to Christianity. In his exhortations, Paul appeals to them as friends, fellow Christians and as proud, respectable citizens of an important community.

The letter seems to have a "cut-and-paste" quality in its…