As Paul begins the fourth chapter of his letter to the Philippians, he builds on the foundation of teaching that he has laid in the first three chapters in order to urge the believers to stand firm in their walk with the Lord. Paul does not issue this Apostolic command in an authoritarian fashion; rather, he appeals to them out of his fatherly love for them. For Paul, seeing the Philippians cling firmly to Christ and stand fearlessly for Him would be a source of tremendous joy.