Philippi Paul's "Thank-You" Letter But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 3:13,14, NIV Leonard Griehs The book of Acts describes how Paul was entreated to go to Macedonia to preach the gospel. The main city there was Philippi, named after Macedonian king Philip 2nd, father of Alexander the Great. A famous Roman highway, Via Egnatia, divided Philippi as it approached the Thracian border eleven miles north of the seaport of Neopolis. There was an ancient fortress perched on a steep hill in the upper portion, overlooking the plain of Dram and the Angites River. The more ancient name of the city, Crenides (Little Fountains), was so named because of the numerous springs in the area. Philip 2nd recognized its strategic importance and captured the entire territory to protect Macedon from Thrace. In 358 B.C., enlarged and fortified, it was renamed Philippi. In 42 B.C., 90 years prior to Paul's visit, a bloody battle between leaders of opposing Roman parties occurred on this site. Cassius was one of the conspirators who, along with Marcus Brutus, murdered Julius Caesar in 44 B.C. He was a supporter of the Pompeian party and the Roman Republic. He and the other conspirators believed that Caesar intended to do away with the Republic and rule by the Senate, setting up a kingdom with himself as king. Their bitter enemies were the men of the Second Triumvirate, Marc Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus. Matters soon came to a crisis and the forces of the Second Triumvirate defeated Cassius and Brutus at the Battle of Philippi. Both Cassius and Brutus committed suicide after the battle. Of far greater importance to us is the fact that here was planted the first Christian ecclesia to appear on European soil. Paul was first led to Europe while on his second missionary journey in 50 A.D. through a vision he received at Troas. After landing at the Neopolis seaport, he made the short journey to Philippi, “the chief city of the port of Macedonia.” The city was by then a Roman colony (Acts 16:12). Originally Roman colonies were military outposts since the senate knew the importance of Roman citizens living in settlements throughout its empire. For the town, it made life different, as there was no Roman provincial governor and no property tax. Philippi was a miniature reproduction of Rome. Officially the language of the city was Latin, but most residents had to know Greek as well. Archaeological digs reveal tablets and documents in both languages. With its close access to the sea and the border, the population grew quite diverse, although there were three main elements. The first group, Roman colonists, constituted the dominant ruling class. The second, which was the largest in number, was a Macedonian group descended from its historical stock. Finally, there was an Oriental group of migrants from the East as the popularity of the Egnatian Way brought strangers from many lands. Because Philippi was not a commercial city, Paul found few Jews and no synagogue—only a small “place of prayer” outside the city by the riverside. Ten years later Paul wrote this tenderhearted letter while a prisoner at Rome. His greetings to a beloved and well-established church has many beautiful lessons for us. Their generosity in aiding Paul and his fellow missionaries is a constant theme in the letter, as is the necessity for unity. The Church It is probable that most of the brethren in Philippi were Gentile. The city abounded in idolatry and there was little tolerance for Paul's preaching. Paul conducted his first meetings in the home of Lydia, a wealthy merchant of expensive dyed cloth who became an early follower (Acts 16). Another follower was the once demon-possessed, fortune-telling slave girl exorcised by Paul and Silas. Later Paul baptized the local jailer who had held them captive for preaching the gospel. Tertullian, a third century teacher and historian, wrote that the Roman leaders were greatly disturbed to find Christians among Philippi's local authorities, and even to find them in the emperor's own household (Philippians 4:22). Despite this movement into Roman circles of authority, the church apparently held its purity since Paul referred to them as “my joy and my crown” (Philippians 4:1). On his third missionary trip, Paul visited the church twice—on his way out and on his return. It is not surprising that when they learned of Paul's imprisonment in Rome, the Philippian brethren sent a delegation led by Epaphroditus with a personal gift and wishes of encouragement. The epistle to the Philippians is Paul's “thank you” letter. Outline of the Book Paul wrote the book while under house arrest in Rome, chained to a guard day and night, and waiting for a trial that might cost him his life. He was not anxious about his situation as evidenced by his words in Philippians 4:11, “Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am.” 1. Experiences (chapter 1). Paul's first expressions of joy reflect the mutual love he shared with these brethren. While others sometimes questioned Paul's position and authority, the Philippians supported him generously, both spiritually and physically. A. Partnership (verses 1-11). Paul's greeting shows evidence of his intimacy with the church, as he addresses all the “saints,” the overseers, the deacons and the leaders. Many, if not most of these, he must have trained personally, and they in turn helped him spread the word early in Europe, as he says “in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now” (verse 5, NASV). Paul expresses his confidence that even though he is absent from them, God will continue to work with them and give them a deeper spiritual understanding (verses 6-10). B. Preaching (verses 12-30). When Paul talks of his confident joy in the midst of trying situations, at least one of those hearing the letter when it arrived at Philippi must have nodded silently. The jailer knew that intimidation, beating, and even being locked in chains could not deter Paul's joy in the Lord. Perhaps an elder or deacon now in the church, he dated his own rebirth from that night when Paul and Silas began to sing hymns as they awaited trial in the Philippian city jail. More than others, he may have understood the inner conviction of the apostle when he heard verse 21, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” 2. Examples (chapter 2). The chapter begins with “If therefore” and so should be read as a continuation of the thought concluding chapter one. After admonishing each one to “conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” Paul explains that true unity reveals itself in the same selfless servitude demonstrated by Jesus.
3. Exhortations (chapter 3). Paul recaps his previous points to remind the brethren that relying on legalistic standards rather than God's grace brings great danger. Since most members of this ecclesia were Gentile by birth, Paul's words suggest that some of the leaders who were Hebrew were trying to teach that converting to Judaism was first necessary before one could be spirit begotten.
4. Enablement (chapter 4). Paul expands on the results of practicing the Christ-like attitude that he introduced in chapter two. This attitude when put into practice should produce unity among the brethren. He reflects on how God's presence should result in a peaceful end to any situation.
Subsequent History With this epistle, the Philippian church fades from the biblical record. Later, in second century church history, it is mentioned in connection with the martyrdom of Ignatius, an early church bishop in Antioch. Ignatius was being taken to Rome in chains along the famous Egnatian Way. As the entourage of soldiers stopped at Philippi, the church there ministered greatly to Ignatius. Portions of a letter from Polycarp, another early leader of the second century and co-worker with Ignatius, to the church at Philippi have been discovered among early Christian writings, containing a commendation for this tender act of mercy. The church Paul so loved apparently continued its devotion after his death. Sometime between the second and fourth centuries, the church at Philippi likely changed. It is rarely mentioned in the records of the councils of the fourth and fifth centuries. Today, the former city lies in ruins. Sometime during that 200 years between Ignatius' death and the councils, the fervent dedication and service so noted and cherished by Paul, perhaps led to persecution and deliverance. Perhaps when Christianity became the official religion of Rome, the church in the city called the miniature Rome was engulfed by those not knowing of its history and diligence. Perhaps its light of faith and charity no longer shown. We do not know for sure. We only know that the church there in Paul's day was one of his most loved and cherished—the only one who communicated with him concerning “giving and receiving” (Philippians 4:15). May that church remain our shining example of the true Christian spirit. |