In this commentary, Fred Craddock focuses on the text of Philippians rather than on conversations among scholars about the text. He begins by exploring the importance of Philippians as a letter of Paul to a particular church. His commentary on the text differs from many other commentaries in that issues of authorship, date, place of writing, integrity, of purpose are dealt with at points where the text itself raises these issues. In order to assist those who preach, Craddock gives special attention to passages that appear in most lectionaries. Further, he draws attention to the theology of Paul as reflected in all of his letters wherever it enlightens or is enlightened by the text. Craddock helps the reader understand what it meant for an apostle and a church to be partners in the gospel.
The Interpretation commentaries are written specifically for teachers and preachers in the local church through the means of expository essays. Each volume is based on the Revised Standard Version. The comments deal with whole portions or sections of the text which is used in teaching rather than individual verses or words. The series main attempts are to present the central purpose of each Biblical Book, to show its use in the liturgical traditions, and its significance for Christian ethics and theology.