The Argument of the Epistle of S. Paul to the Philippians

How S. Paul was called by a vision into Macedonia, we read Act. 16. and how he came to Philippi being the first city thereof, and of his preaching, miracles, and suffering there. And again Act. 19. Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying: After I have been there, I must see Rome also. Which purpose he executed Act. 20. taking his leave at Ephesus. And being afterward come into Achaia, he had counsel to return through Macedonia, and so at length from Philippi he began his navigation toward Jerusalem, and from Jerusalem being carried prisoner to Rome (Act. 28.) he wrote from thence this Epistle to the Philippians: or rather in his second apprehension, about 10 years after the first.

In it he confirmeth them (as he did the Ephesians also about the same time) against the temptation that they might have in hearing that he were executed. Therefore he first saith: And I will have you know brethren, that the things about me, are come to the more furtherance of the Gospel: so that my bonds were made manifest in Christ in all the Court &c. Secondly he signifieth that his desire is, to be dissolved and to be with Christ. But yet (lest they should be discomforted) that he hopeth to come again to them. Wherefore he signifieth in saying: I hope to send Timothee unto you, immediately as I shall see the things that concern me. Thirdly therefore he prepareth them against the worst, saying: I hope to come again to you: but and if I be immolated, upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and congratulate with you all, and the self same thing do you also rejoice and congratulate with me.

Moreover he partly warneth them (as he had done before) of those Judaical False-apostles who preached circumcision and Moyses law to the Christian Gentiles: partly he exhorteth them to suffer persecution, to live well, and specially to humble themselves one to another, rather than by any pride to break the peace and unity of the Church.