How can Paul rejoice when he’s got nothing to rejoice about? How can he talk about joy when he’s in prison?
This book listens to him as he writes to his friends in Philippi, to attempt to understand the experience of joy that more than mere emotion. Paul highlights four reasons why joy fills his heart: because of the Gospel partnership he shares with his friends in Philippi; because of the unity that they experience in Christ; because of their confidence in Jesus; and because God has given them peace beyond understanding. These themes correspond with the four chapters of the letter, and form the organizing principle of this book.
Edward S. Little is Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana. He is the author of Ears to Hear (Morehouse, 2003). He lives in South Bend, Indiana.
"Bishop Ed Little’s wonderful and rich meditation on St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is an outstanding commentary on the theme of joy in all circumstances of life."—Lord Carey of Clifton, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1991-2002
“This book-length meditation on St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians is deeply rooted in Sacred Scripture, theology, and the doctrinal and spiritual traditions of the Church. Bishop Little manifests a rich and finely honed pastoral sense and a gift for clear and engaging writing. This book deserves a wide ecumenical readership.”—Rev. Richard P. McBrien, Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame, and author of The Church: The Evolution of Catholicism
"This book grows out of a study of St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians. It reflects on the amazing fact hat, even though the letter was written from prison, it is filled with Joy. Bishop Little attempts to account for that joy and make it available to his readers."—The Living Church
