Philippians

Philippians is known as the letter of joy — and it was written from prison, which makes the tone even more remarkable. Paul thanks a poor church that sent him help and writes without the tensions that mark other letters. Chapter 2 contains the hymn about Christ who emptied himself and took the form of a servant, still used in liturgies today. In chapter 3, Paul lists his own religious credentials and counts them loss compared with knowing Christ. And chapter 4 gathers some of the most-read verses in the New Testament: do not be anxious about anything, think on whatever is true and worthy, I have learned to be content, I can do all things through him who strengthens me.