Paul wrote the letter of Philippians from prison. Prison in his time meant being constrained by chains and locked up in small places, but also being kept under constant watch by a group of soldiers. His imprisonment was the product of awaiting trial for upsetting Rome. His life and future were in the balance. Separated from friends and bound in chains, Paul wrote a letter about joy. It is not escapism. Paul knew that he could rejoice in the Lord no matter his situation. He wanted the church to know the same.