The Philippians

by

Brian BirdowSermon text: Philippians 1

www.cmcoc.org

background

• The city of Philippi was one of the major cities of Macedonia.

• Acts 16:12 And from there to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.

Background and HISTORY

• Philip of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, who assumed the throne in 360 B.C., conquered the town of Krenides, introduced colonists into the city and renamed it Philippi after himself. The province of Macedonia was later captured by the Romans and divided into four districts.

• The battle of Philippi in 42 B.C. was one of the decisive battles in history. Here at Philippi, Mark Antony and Octavian defeated Brutus and Cassius and decided the future history of the Roman empire.

Location

• It was located in Northern Greece near the seacoast, some 8 or 10 miles from the port of Neapolis. The location of the city was on the road from Europe to Asia and this made it a strategic location for preaching the gospel. Paul generally selected such sites for the beginning of his work.

This church supported Paul

• Philippians 4:15 Now you Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me as concerning giving and receiving, but you only.

• Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again unto my necessity.

This church supported Paul

• 2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was present with you, and in want, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

They supported Paul

• 2 Cor. 8:1-5 turn with me please

• 2 Corinthians 8:5 And this they did, not as we expected, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Poor but rich!

• Macedonian churches had a reputation for liberality. Although poorer than many others, they were more generous in their giving.

• Luke 12:13-21 turn with me please.