Philippians

Lesson 1

Introduction to Philippians
Author: The Apostle Paul, while in prison in Rome Date Written: A.D. 60-63
The Apostle Paul writes this beautiful letter to some of his closest and most intimate Christian friends living in the city of Philippi. The sixteenth chapter of Acts introduces a number of these Christians to us. Women played a prominent role within the church in Philippi and it seems the first European covert may have been the woman named Lydia. A major theme of the letter is JOY. More than fifteen times this idea is expressed, Paul making mention of his joyful remembrance of his friends in his opening remarks. Paul rejoices, he encourages the Philippians to rejoice, and he declares we all should rejoice, always. Unity achieved through humility is another major point in this letter. Paul admonishes his friends to be like-minded and to think of others above themselves using the Lord, Jesus Christ, as an example.

History of Philippi

Scripture References to Philippi & Church Acts 16:6-12 Macedonian Call Acts 16:13-15, 40 Lydia Acts 16:16-18 Slave girl Acts 16:19-23 Paul & Silas persecuted Acts 16:23-39 Jailer Acts 20:5 Sailed away from Philippi Philippians 1:1 Addresses letter to saints 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Reference to ill treatment 2 Corinthians 11:9 Reference to gift Philippians 4:14-16 Reference to gift Culture of Philippian (Macedonian) Church/es Progressive Westerners

Named after Philip of Macedon Around 356 B.C. Assassinated by wife, Olympias Alexander the Great, son of Olympias, succeeded to throne 331 B.C. Alexander defeated Persian Empire Persians under rule of Darius a couple of kings after Ahasuerus By 148 B.C. Macedonia wholly under Roman rule 42 B.C. Philippi becomes famous battle site Julius Caesar murdered Generals vied for power Cassius & Brutus engage Octavius & Mark Antony at Philippi Octavius & Mark Antony victors Mark Antony woos Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt Mark Antony & Cleopatra join forces against Octavius Octavius is victor & pronounces himself emperor Octavius changed his name to Augustus Named a calendar month after himself About 30 yrs. Later, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. (Luke 2:1) Augustus often retreated to his resort in Philippi Designated Philippi to be a Roman colony (Acts 16:12) Philippi assumed all Roman privileges (Acts 16:20-21)

Prominence of Women Gathered for meetings/Religious freedom Business owners Leading women/Prominent women

Generous to Paul Lydia housed Paul & Silas Jailor took them to his home Philippians supported Paul financially 2013 Dana Burk All Rights Reserved