SOME QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT

What Kind Of City Was Philippi? 

We learn something about the history of the city from Lightner[1], Hendriksen[2], Barclay[3], and Martin[4]. And from this, about life in the city at the time of Paul’s visit.

-         Philip, ruler of Greece and father of Alexander the Great, established the city in 368 BC, naming it after himself. It is now called Kavalla and is the main centre of the Greek tobacco industry.

-         Philippi lies about 17 kms inland from the coast. To reach the city Paul would have travelled by ship to the port at Neapolis and then walked into the city.

-         Later the region became part of the Roman Empire and Philippi came under the rule of Rome.

-         The city expanded greatly after the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. This battle was fought between the armed forces of competing Roman rulers. Antony and Octavian were victorious over Brutus and Cassius. After the fight Antony ordered many of his soldiers to settle in Philippi with their families. The veteran soldiers were to be a peace keeping force. But then Octavian turned against Antony and became Roman Emperor after Antony committed suicide. In 30 BC Octavian forced many citizens of Rome to go and live in Philippi.

-         These new settlers in Philippi enjoyed all the benefits of Roman citizenship just as if they were living in Italy itself. Among these benefits was the exemption from taxes and the retainment of their legal rights.

-         By Paul’s time the city had become an important commercial centre. Lydia conducted a successful business there in the purple dye and garment industry. (Acts 16:11-15) Purple was a favourite colour among Roman citizens. Luke refers to Philippi as “a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia.” (Acts 16:12) Travellers and traders passed through the city on their way to Rome.

-         Cults associated with pagan gods claimed the allegiance of many people in the city. The slave trade was often associated with these cults. Luke tells us of the slave girl and her masters who confronted Paul there. (Acts 16:16-21)

-        Claudius (A.D. 41-54) was the Roman Emperor at the time of Paul’s visit to the city while on his second missionary journey. He ordered all Jews to leave Rome about A. D. 50. Some of them came to Philippi. Luke refers to some who went to Corinth. (Acts 18:1-2)

Where Was Paul When He Wrote The Letter? 

Paul was a prisoner, most likely in Rome. It may well have been at the time of his house arrest that Luke tells us of. (Acts 28:30-31) If this was the case Paul would have been chained continuously to a Roman guard. With the guard changing every few hours he thus had a captive audience for making known the Christian message. This scenario is supported by Paul’s reference in his letter to the palace guard. (1:13)

How Was The Church Established In Philippi?

It began with the conversion of Lydia during Paul’s visit to the city on his second missionary journey. As others also came to know the Lord they met together in Lydia’s home thus establishing a house church in Philippi. (Acts 16)

How Did The Philippians Receive The Letter?

While Paul was imprisoned he was visited by Epaphroditus. He may have been the pastor of the church in Philippi. He brought Paul a gift from the church. Paul expresses thanks for this gift in his letter. (4:10-20)

During his visit to Paul Epaphroditus became dangerously ill. When he had recovered sufficiently he returned to Philippi carrying Paul’s letter with him. (2:19-30)

Will We Find Anything In The Letter Of Value For Us Today? 

Certainly! Although Paul wrote the letter in about A.D. 61 or 62 we can anticipate finding seams of truth that will enrich our lives now. Some exciting discoveries await us.