HOVV S. Paul vvas called by a vision into Macedonia, vve reade Act. 16. and hovv he came to
Philippi being the first citie thereof, and of his preaching, miracles, and suffering there.
And againe Act. 19. Paul purposed in the Spirit, vvhen he had passed through Macedonia and
Achaia, to goe to Hierusalem, saying: After I haue been there, I must see Rome also. Vvhich
purpose he executed Act. 20. taking his leaue at Ephesus. And being aftervvard come into
Achaia, he had counsel to returne through Macedonia, and so at length from Philippi he began
his nauigation tovvard Hierusalem, and from Hierusalem being caried prisoner to Rome
(Act. 28.) he vvrote from thence this Epistle to the Philippians: or rather in his second
apprehension, about 10 yeres after the first.
In it he confirmeth them (as he did * the Ephesians also about the same time) against the
tentatiō that they might haue in hearing that he vvere executed. therfore he first
saith: And I vvil haue you knovv brethren, that the things about me, are come to the
more furtherance of the Gospel: so that my bandes vvere made manifest in Christ in al the
Court &c. Secondly he signifieth that his desire is, to he dissolued and to be vvith Christ.
but yet (lest they should be discomforted) that he hopeth to come againe to them. Vvhereof
notvvithstanding, that he hath yet no certaintie, he signifieth in saying: I hope to
send Timothee vnto you, immediatly as I shal see the things that concerne me. Thirdly
therefore he prepareth them against the vvorst, saying: I hope to come againe to you: but
and if I be immolated, vpon the sacrifice and seruice of your faith, I reioyce and
congratulate vvith you al, and the self same thing do you also reioyce and congratulate vvith
me.
Moreouer he partly vvarneth them (as he had done before) of those Iudaical False-apostles
vvho preached circumcision & Moyses lavv to the Christian Gentils: partly he exhorteth them
to suffer persecution, to liue vvel, and specially to humble them selues one to an other,
rather then by any pride to breake the peace & vnitie of the Church.