226IMMERSE•MESSIAHto the spread of the gospel, probably reflecting their generous financialsupport, which is explicitly mentioned at the end of the letter.As Paul begins the main section of the letter, he explains how theGood News is spreading in spite of his imprisonment, even amongthe “palace guard”—that is, the emperor’s personal bodyguards. Heexpresses contentment in the midst of his circumstances, desiring thathis life would “bring honor to Christ” whether he lives or dies—in otherwords, whether he is declared innocent and set free or found guiltyand executed.Paul reminds the Philippians that their true and primary citizenshipis not with Rome but with their King in heaven. While they await thereturn of their King—when all things will be brought under his controland believers will be raised from the dead—they are to live as God’snew people in the world. They can do so by following the example ofChrist, who did not take advantage of his high position but humbledhimself completely out of obedience to God. Jesus is the King becausehe was first the slave.Paul also counters those who—like the “troublemakers” in Galatiaand those pressuring the Colossians—were telling Gentile believersin Philippi that they had to observe the Jewish law. Paul argues thatsuch human efforts were unnecessary, showing that while his ownJewish credentials are considerable—superior, in fact, to those of hisadversaries—all such credentials fail to compare with “the infinite valueof knowing Christ Jesus.”Throughout the letter, Paul relays a strong note of joyfulness—bothhis own joy and his encouragement of joy in the Philippians—even inthe face of fearful situations. God’s message about the world’s trueLord is going forward, even into the very heart of Caesar’s empire.
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