Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi is known as one of Paul’s “prison letters,” but, in reality, its themes are freedom, joy, communion, and completion in Christ. Writing from a Roman prison sometime around the year 60 AD, Paul writes some truly paradoxical things.

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (Phil. 1:12).

“…I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Phil. 4:11).

The fact that a Gospel advance and personal joy can come within the circumstances of captivity is counterintuitive. Being locked up, locked out, or otherwise constrained by the people or by the circumstances of life is rarely something we link to gospel progress, fearlessness, growth, and contentment. And yet, Paul tells us that many have become “confident in the Lord” because of his imprisonment, and they are speaking the gospel “much more boldly” and, indeed, even “fearlessly” (Phil 1:14).

How is it that the gospel can go forward and bear much fruit even in a dire context? How is it that we can find inner joy and contentment when external circumstances are so bleak? Let’s find out this fall as we study the book of Philippians together.