Churches of the New Testament: Philippi I. Introduction A. Acts 16:9 1. Thus begins the evangelization of Europe 2. Said evangelization begins in Philippi B. Paul does not stay long there 1. Cast out in persecution 2. Church, nevertheless, remains strong C. Philippi-- a strong supporter of Paul 1. Paul gained a constant source of support and encouragement with Philippi 2. Let us consider this church that so benefited Paul II. Geography and History A. Philippi in northeastern Greece 1. 415 miles northeast of Athens; 880 miles northwest of Jerusalem 2. 8 miles inland from its port at Neapolis (cf. Acts 16:11) 3. in province of Macedonia B. On the Egnatian Way 1. One of the main arteries of the Roman Empire 2. Fertile land with a river C. Originally settled as mining town 1. Mined the gold in nearby fields 2. After gold ran out, city remained because of being on the Egnatian Way D. 4th century BCE: Philip of Macedon fortifies city, names it after himself E. 168 BCE: Macedonia, along with Philippi, made part of Roman Empire F. 1st Century BCE: Roman civil wars 1. Octavian (Augustus) successful 2. Rewards soldiers with land near Philippi 3. Philippi made into a Roman colony (Colonia Julia Augusta Philippensis) 4. Populated mostly by Roman soldiers and their descendants G. Philippi mostly Gentile, Roman at that 1. Few Jews; no synagogue; prayer meeting at river (cf. Acts 16:13) 2. Romans probably wealthy 3. Presence of Greek underclass 4. Common paganism and superstition 5. Not known for excessive immorality H. Philippi, then, ripe for harvest, but preaching there not easy III. The Beginnings of the Church in Philippi A. Acts 16:1-8 1. Paul and Silas return to churches in Galatia where Paul preached before ca. 49-51 CE 2. From there intended to preach in other parts of Asia Minor 3. Hindered by the Spirit B. Acts 16:9-10 1. Paul, at Troas, receives vision to go to Macedonia 2. He, along with Luke and other associates, travels there C. Acts 16:11-15 1. Arrive at Neapolis, travel to Philippi 2. Paul's custom: enter the synagogue, preach first to Jews (Acts 17:1-2) 3. No synagogue in Philippi; meet at river for Sabbath prayers 4. Lydia there, a proselyte/God-fearer from Thyatira in Asia Minor, seller of purple 5. She and household converts, compels Paul and others to stay with her D. Acts 16:16-40 1. Slave girl with spirit of divination harasses Paul 2. Paul rebukes the demon out of her 3. Her masters, unhappy, drag Paul and Silas before magistrates 4. Accusation: Jews teaching practices unlawful for Romans 5. Public beating, thrown into prison 6. While praying and singing, earthquake shakes prison, all bonds loosed 7. Philippian jailer and family converted 8. Paul demands magistrates to get him out since his rights as citizen was abused 9. Magistrates do so, apologize, encourage him to leave 10. Paul and Silas do so, Luke stays E. Thus church in Philippi is founded 1. Not much time passed-- Acts 16:12 2. Paul and Silas there for some time, Luke for longer 3. Likely persecution by magistrates/town citizens 4. Nevertheless, church endures IV. The Church in Philippi: 52-155 A. Paul makes other visits to Philippi 1. 55-57: during stay in Ephesus, visited Macedonia to find Titus (2 Corinthians 2:13, 7:5) 2. 57: Paul visits Macedonia twice, on the way to and from Greece (Acts 19:21, 20:1, 3-6) 3. 60-62: During Roman imprisonment, Paul writes the letter to the Philippians (Philippians 1:12-14, 4:22). 4. 63-64: After imprisonment, Paul departed Ephesus for Macedonia (1 Timothy 1:3) B. Paul, then, visits brethren in Philippi four times or so C. No other NT evidence D. Early Christian evidence 1. Polycarp of Smyrna writes letter to Philippians between 115-155 2. Love of brethren, holding to Paul's instruction present (Polycarp, Letter to Philippians 1-9) 3. Problem with covetous elder Valens (10) 4. Unfortunately, brethren there desired letters of Ignatius of Antioch who promoted the false teachings of one bishop over collective of elders (13) E. Nevertheless, church in Philippi demonstrably continued strongly V. The Church in Philippi: Supporting Brethren A. Philippians 1:3-5 B. It is clear from the NT that the brethren in Philippi often provided support to brethren C. Brethren in need 1. Romans 15:23: Macedonia and Achaia purposed to give to assist brethren in Jerusalem 2. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5: brethren in Macedonia (including Philippi) gave beyond their means for this purpose 3. Greatly commended for such D. Paul in need 1. Philippians 4:15-16: recollection of how church in Philippi sent aid to Paul in Thessalonica, even when no other church did 2. Philippians 4:18: assistance from them again through hand of Epaphroditus 3. Philippians 4:10: brethren in Philippi always have manifested concern for Paul E. Brethren in Philippi, then, excelled at providing aid to brethren in need VI. The Church in Philippi: Loving the Brethren A. What would prompt the brethren in Philippi to support such people? Love! B. Philippians 1:9 C. Their love manifested to Epaphroditus 1. Philippians 2:25-28 2. Epaphroditus an evangelist or one highly active in the promotion of Gospel 3. Sent by Philippi to Rome to Paul with gift 4. Became ill to death but recovered 5. Greatly beloved in Philippi! D. Their love manifested to Paul 1. They continue to support his ministry (Philippians 4:10-18) 2. They exhibit care for him (Philippians 4:10) 3. Despite all the problems in his life, how he was treated in Philippi at first, the brethren there remain a great source of encouragement (1 Thessalonians 2:2. Philippians 1) E. Philippi, then, great example of love for brethren VII. The Church in Philippi: Standing Firm A. Philippians 2:12 B. Love of brethren in Philippi led them to stand firm for the truth and the doctrines Paul taught them C. Philippi marked by peace, little conflict 1. Philippians 4:13 only concrete evidence of dissension 2. Philippians 3:16 may indicate some regarding Christian development 3. Concern over Judaizers and false teachers, but more as warning (Philippians 3:1-2, 18-19) D. Plenty of instruction in Philippian letter, but as encouragement and reiteration (Philippians 3:1, 2:12) 1. Presence of elders and deacons perhaps explains stability (Philippians 1:1) 2. Concern over greater unity and concern for others (Philippians 2:1-11) 3. Encouragement to maintain and develop greater obedience (Philippians 1:9-10, 1:27, 2:12-16, 4:9) 4. Philippians 3:8-15a: great example of encouragement to develop 5. Philippians 3:20: citizenship in Heaven 6. Philippians 4:8: focus on positive and edifying matters 7. Need to rejoice: Philippians 3:1, 4:4 VIII. Conclusion A. Philippians 1:7 B. Who encourages the encourager? 1. Difficulties for evangelists for years 2. Churches that encourage encouragers special in Kingdom 3. Philippi such a church C. Philippi a great example 1. Started quickly and under duress 2. Persevered and grew, became strong 3. Concern for Paul manifest even in the beginnings 4. Constant source of strength and encouragement for Paul and others in the Kingdom 5. Stable, elders and deacons, perhaps most peaceful church in NT D. Let us consider the example of Philippi and be encouraged to do likewise! E. Invitation/songbook