Paul follows these normal patterns in his letters, but he also transforms them. Paul’s letter openings are never simply conventional. In a letter like Philippians, he adapts and expands the customary elements found in ancient letters in order to charge them with a powerful theological current. Paul’s thanksgiving section (1:3–11) is a prime example. Paul decisively transforms the customary prayer for health or a thanksgiving to the gods, enlisting it in the service of the gospel. Three distinctive