The author suggests the four main reasons for studying Paul's letter to the Philippians. We live in a time when many Christians suffer for their faith, as Paul and the Philippians suffered; as at Philippi, there is a need for unity among Christians if the Church is to preach effectively to a divided world; like Paul, we are uncertain of our own future and the future of mankind; and in the study of Paul's teaching we stand alongside those who first received it and expose ourselves in love and obedience to the love and authority of the same Lord.