(lover of horses)
The epistle of normal Christian experience, rejoicing in the Lord in spite of adverse circumstances, living Christ I cross myself out (chapter 1); as He emptied Himself, humbled Himself, and was obedient unto the death of the cross, so may I serve Him, crossing myself out (chapter 2); abhorring religious flesh, seeing a resurrected Christ in glory, by the energy of the Spirit, crossing myself out, and disregarding the hardships, I pursue towards that goal where I shall win Him, the prize, and be found in Him, having “the righteousness which is of God” (chapter 3). Drawing on His strength and the abundant supply of His riches in glory, Who is near to come, I need not be anxious and I need “not insist on rights,” verse 5 (J.N.D. footnote), but can well afford to cross myself out and trust Him for everything.
Written by Paul 62 or 63 A.D. from the Roman prison.