Shown here is a leaf from a papyrus codex known as P⁴⁶, believed to date from about 200 C.E. The codex contains a collection of nine of Paul’s letters, but the letters do not appear in the same order as in modern-day Bibles. (See Media Gallery, “Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians” and “Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians.”) This leaf shows the end of Paul’s letter to the Galatians and the beginning of his letter to the Christians in the city of Philippi. It is part of the Papyrus Chester Beatty 2, which is housed at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, Ireland. Highlighted is the title, which reads: “Toward [or, “To”] Philippians.” This papyrus collection provides evidence that from an early date, scribes identified Bible books by titles.

During his first imprisonment in Rome, the apostle Paul was permitted to live under guard in a rented house. (Ac 28:16, 30) Roman guards typically restrained prisoners with chains. The prisoner’s right wrist was usually chained to the guard’s left wrist. This kept the guard’s right hand free. Paul referred to his chains, bonds, and imprisonment in most of the inspired letters that he wrote during his house arrest in Rome.​—Eph 3:1; 4:1; 6:20; Php 1:7, 13, 14, 17; Col 4:3, 18; Phm 1, 9, 10, 13.

From about 59 to 61 C.E., while waiting to appear before Caesar, the apostle Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome. There he was guarded by Roman soldiers who probably belonged to an elite military force called the Praetorian Guard. (Ac 28:16) Even though there were thousands of Praetorian soldiers, Paul told the Philippian congregation that his prison bonds had become known “among all the Praetorian Guard.” (Php 1:13) Watch this video to learn more about the history and purpose of the Praetorian Guard.

Members of the Praetorian Guard normally wore a tunic (1) and sometimes a cloak (2). This type of clothing allowed for freedom of movement. Even though the tunic was commonly worn by Romans, non-Romans, and slaves, soldiers were easily identified by their military weapons, belts, and sandals. However, the soldiers wore a different garment, called a toga (3), whenever they were within the city limits of Rome and whenever they guarded the emperor. The toga was formal attire for male Roman citizens.

Shown here is one of two sections from a bronze document issued in 79 C.E. This document granted Roman citizenship to a sailor who was soon to retire, his wife, and his son. The two sections were bound together and sealed. Some people acquired citizenship later in life, but others became Roman citizens at birth. (See study note on Ac 22:28.) In either case, citizenship documents were highly valued, since a person might have to prove his citizenship in order to benefit from its privileges. However, Paul wrote of a far more valuable citizenship, the kind that “exists in the heavens.”​—Php 3:20.

When Epaphroditus returned to Philippi from Rome, he brought a letter from the apostle Paul, who was then a prisoner in Rome. (Php 1:13; 2:25; 4:18) The letter, which was addressed to the Philippian Christians, breathed love and joy. (Php 1:4; 2:17, 18; 3:1; 4:1, 4) Paul did not have to present strong argument and reproof as he had done in some other letters. He did encourage Euodia and Syntyche to work together in peace. Even so, he describes these two faithful sisters as “women who have striven side by side with [him] for the good news,” and he encourages one of his fellow workers to “keep assisting these women.” (Php 4:3) Throughout the letter, Paul encourages the Philippian congregation to continue in their fine course.​—Php 3:16.