Philippians

Summary

Philippians is a letter of joy from a prison cell. That alone tells us that Christian joy is not a mood dependent on circumstances. It is a settled gladness in Christ that survives pressure, opposition, and loss. David T. A. Strain writes as a Scottish pastor who knows that modern congregations often struggle to connect theology to endurance. We found this commentary particularly helpful in keeping Philippians both Christ centred and realistic. It does not use joy as a slogan. It shows how Paul grounds joy in the gospel, in the advance of Christ’s mission, and in the hope of resurrection.

Strain traces the letter’s movement with care. He highlights Paul’s partnership with the church, the call to unity, the humility of Christ in Philippians 2, the pursuit of knowing Christ in Philippians 3, and the peace of God that guards hearts in Philippians 4. At each stage, he presses the text toward proclamation. We are not left with vague encouragement. We are shown what obedience looks like when Christ is treasured, when the gospel is defended, and when believers learn contentment in all circumstances.

This is a short volume, but it does not feel thin. It is aimed at pastors and teachers who need a reliable companion. The tone is devotional without being sentimental, doctrinal without being heavy, and pastoral without being vague. That combination makes it a strong resource for preaching through Philippians in a way that forms both humility and courage.

Strengths

First, Strain handles the Christ hymn in Philippians 2 with reverence and clarity. He keeps the focus where Paul places it, the mind of Christ expressed in humility, self giving, and obedience to death, even death on a cross. He helps pastors preach this passage as gospel before example. Christ’s humility is not first a pattern we mimic. It is the saving descent of the Son that secures our redemption and reshapes our hearts. When that order is clear, application becomes worshipful and honest.

Second, the commentary is strong on the theme of partnership in the gospel. Philippians is not individualistic. It is about a church labouring together for the advance of Christ’s name. Strain draws out practical implications for church unity, leadership, generosity, and mission. He does so in a way that avoids pragmatism. The motivation remains Christ’s glory and the gospel’s advance.

Third, this volume has a steady pastoral realism about suffering and contentment. Paul does not deny sorrow. He shows how Christ sustains joy within sorrow. Strain helps preachers avoid hollow optimism. He gives language for preaching comfort that does not promise easy days, but promises Christ’s presence, the Spirit’s strength, and the certainty of future glory.

Limitations

The primary limitation is the brevity. If you are looking for extended technical discussion, you will need a more detailed commentary alongside this one. Some readers may also want more engagement with scholarly questions around structure and rhetoric. Strain occasionally touches those matters, but the focus remains on exposition for the church. Also, because Philippians is so often used for encouragement, there is always a temptation to move too quickly to application. Strain generally resists that, but preachers will still need to do the slow work of tracing context carefully.

How We Would Use It

We would use this commentary in sermon preparation, especially to keep the tone of Philippians properly Christ centred. It is also useful for small group leaders and ministry trainees. The writing is accessible, and the pastoral instincts are sound. If you are preaching Philippians into a weary congregation, or into a church facing internal tensions, this volume will help you keep Paul’s call to unity, humility, and joy anchored in the gospel.

We would also recommend it for personal refreshment. Pastors need Philippians as much as anyone. Strain’s steady movement from meaning to proclamation helps us read the letter devotionally without slipping into vague spiritual talk. The text remains central, and Christ remains the treasure.

Closing Recommendation

This is a clear and warmly pastoral guide to Philippians. It will help you preach joy that is deep, humility that is gospel shaped, and contentment that rests in Christ. We commend it for busy pastors who want a short but substantial companion that keeps the argument visible and the application honest.