The city of Philippi was located in modern day Greece. In the time of the New Testament, it was a Roman colony and an important city in the district of Macedonia. The church at Philippi was founded by the apostle Paul during his second missionary journey recorded in Acts 16.
Paul first came to Philippi after receiving a vision of a man pleading for him to come to Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10). Along with his companions Silas, Timothy and Luke, they sailed from Troas and landed at Neapolis, the port city near Philippi. From there they went to the city itself and found a group of women meeting by the riverside for prayer. Among them was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, who was a dealer in purple cloth. As Paul preached the gospel to them, the Lord opened Lydia’s heart and she became a believer, along with her whole household. They were then baptized and she invited Paul’s group to stay in her home (Acts 16:11-15).
The church at Philippi was unique in that it was the first church established by Paul in Europe. Most of his other churches up to that point were founded in Asia Minor. The conversion and baptism of Lydia and her household marked the beginning of the Philippian church.
Not long after this, Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi after casting out a spirit of divination from a slave girl (Acts 16:16-24). While in prison, they were singing hymns to God when a great earthquake shook open the prison doors. This allowed Paul and the other prisoners to escape, leading to the jailer’s conversion after he had initially intended to kill himself (Acts 16:25-34). The jailer and his whole family were then baptized, becoming part of the new Philippian church.
Paul, Silas and Timothy stayed in Philippi for some time before moving on to Thessalonica (Acts 16:40-17:1). But the church continued to grow and thrive even after Paul left. About ten years later, while Paul was under house arrest in Rome, he wrote a letter to the Philippian church that is included in the New Testament canon.
The letter gives us several insights into this church:
– They had supported Paul financially right from the beginning, even sending gifts for his ministry when he left Macedonia (Philippians 4:15-16).
– Paul expresses his thankfulness and joy whenever he remembers them in his prayers (Philippians 1:3-5).
– They shared in God’s grace with Paul and were partners in the work of spreading the gospel (Philippians 1:7).
– Paul longed for them with great affection (Philippians 1:8).
– He prays they would continue to grow in knowledge, discernment and righteousness (Philippians 1:9-11).
– Despite Paul’s imprisonment, the gospel was continuing to spread in Rome through believers who were emboldened by his chains (Philippians 1:12-14).
– Some preached Christ out of rivalry and selfish ambition, but Paul rejoiced that Christ was preached either way (Philippians 1:15-18).
– Paul encouraged them to live worthy of the gospel by standing firm in one spirit and striving together for the faith (Philippians 1:27-30).
– He warned against selfish ambition and conceit, instead urging humility and considering others as better than oneself (Philippians 2:1-4).
– He points to Christ as the supreme example of humility in giving up his rights and humbling himself to die on the cross (Philippians 2:5-11).
– Paul urges them to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, as God works within them to will and act according to his purpose (Philippians 2:12-13).
– Even if Paul is poured out like an offering, he rejoices that their faith is strengthened and his suffering for them is fruitful ministry (Philippians 2:17-18).
– Paul commends Timothy’s proven worth and that he served faithfully like a son with a father (Philippians 2:19-24).
– Epaphroditus had been sent by the Philippians to minister to Paul, but became deathly ill, recovered by God’s mercy, and was now returning to them (Philippians 2:25-30).
– Paul warned of those who advocated circumcision and putting confidence in human merit, instead urging worship by the Spirit, glory in Christ and not self (Philippians 3:1-6).
– Whatever worldly things Paul had gained, he counted as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7-9).
– Paul pressed on to lay hold of that for which Christ took hold of him, not regarding himself perfected but forgetting what’s behind and straining forward (Philippians 3:12-14).
– Citizens of heaven should stand firm and live by its values, but the Lord will return to conform even our lowly bodies to be like Christ’s glorious body (Philippians 3:17-21).
– Paul urges two women, Euodia and Syntyche, to agree in the Lord and have the same mindset (Philippians 4:2-3).
– Rejoice in the Lord always, be gentle, pray with thanksgiving and God’s peace will guard your hearts and minds (Philippians 4:4-7).
– Meditate on things that are noble, just, pure, lovely, commendable and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8-9).
Paul’s positive tone in this deeply personal letter demonstrates his fondness and unity with these believers. This church seems exemplary in many ways – supporting Paul, evangelizing boldly despite opposition, pursuing spiritual growth and unity, providing for Paul in his imprisonment, and earning his commendation.
Key themes in Philippians:
Joy – The word “joy” or “rejoice” occurs over 15 times. Despite being in chains, Paul rejoices and urges the Philippians to rejoice always in the Lord (Philippians 3:1, 4:4).
Unity – Paul urges them to be unified, without selfish ambition, humble like Christ, considering others as better than themselves (Philippians 1:27, 2:1-4).
Perseverance – Paul encourages them to stand firm and keep pressing on toward the goal of knowing Christ (Philippians 1:27-28, 3:12-14).
Sacrifice – Paul and Timothy set an example of being poured out like an offering for the sake of Christ (Philippians 2:17-18).
The Philippian church clearly holds a special place in Paul’s heart and ministry. Their faithful partnership encouraged him tremendously even while enduring imprisonment. This letter gives us a window into an exemplary early church – one that generously supported gospel work, persevered despite opposition, pursued unity and spiritual maturity, and brought great joy to the Apostle Paul. The Philippian church remains a model for healthy Christian community today.
In summary, the origins of the church at Philippi began with Paul’s vision calling him to Macedonia. Upon arriving, Paul preached the gospel resulting in the conversion and baptism of several households, including Lydia and the Philippian jailer. This marked the establishment of the first church plant in Europe. When Paul later wrote them from prison, his remarks reflect great affection and appreciation for this church. They had consistently supported and partnered with him. They continued to grow spiritually and evangelize, even when opposed. Paul’s letter commends their faithfulness and urges ongoing unity, humility, perseverance, and joy. The Philippian church is portrayed as an ideal model and their relationship with Paul seems strong and mutually encouraging. Examining its history provides a window into the early missionary expansion of the gospel and the development of fledgling Christian communities. The Philippian church remains an outstanding example for churches today to follow.