Philippians 1:19-30 — “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ…” In this section of the letter, Paul taps into the idea of citizenship that was front-of-mind for those who called Philippi home. The city was unique among those where Paul planted churches in that it was a Roman colony. Those who were born in the city and who were not slaves, were Roman citizens.
Just as there was a way of life that was fitting for a Roman citizen, so there is a way of life that is fitting for citizens of God’s kingdom and this was what Paul urged his readers to pursue. He urged them to seek unity, serve Jesus together, and live without fear.