In this first installment of our series on the letter to the Philippians, we are discussing the background as well as the concepts of “saints,” “bishops and deacons,” the nature of God and the gospel of the Kingdom of God. We are addressing the reasons for Paul’s confidence that the Philippians would “make” it into the kingdom, cautioning at the same time that we must examine ourselves and make certain that we do not become disqualified. We are also explaining the difference between swearing and affirming and the fact that Christ lived in Paul, as He must live in every converted Christian today. Summary Terms: Prison Rome Philippi Lydia jailer Luke Timothy bondservant saint fellowship truth chain persecution salvation draw righteousness repentance faith witness oath affection love knowledge discernment perfect good works glorify Less