A Study Of Philippians - Allan Turner

1 A Study Of Philippians : A verse by verse examination of the apostle Paul's epistle of joy to the beloved Philippian church. By Allan Turner ALLANITA Press Cincinnati, Ohio C O NT E NT S. A n I ntro du c tio n .. 1. C h a p ter One .. 3. C h a p ter Tw o .. 9. C h a p ter T h ree .. 1 8. C h a p ter Fo ur .. 2 3. A Study Of Philippians 2002 by Allan Turner Introduction T. en miles inland from the harbor city of for themselves when it came to liberality (II Cor- Neapolis was Philippi. It was one of the inthians 8:1-5). What a joyful occasion their principle cities of Macedonia and was his- concern for Paul must have been to him. Conse- torically famous in the annals of both Greece quently, it should not surprise us to hear him and Rome.

2 It was founded by and named after refer to them as my beloved and longed-for Philip of Macedon, the father of Alexander the brethren, my joy and crown ( Philippians 4:1). Great. In Roman history, Philippi was best Even though things began and continued known for the battle that took place there in 42 well at Philippi, soon after the conversion of Ly- between the Second Triumvirate (Octavius, dia and her household, persecution lifted up its Antonius, and Lepidus) and the republicans of ugly head. Perhaps to demonstrate that the Rome under Brutus and Cassius, which resulted Lord's work is advanced by difficulties and dis- in the defeat and death of the latter. After the couragements, rather than by ease and prosper- victory, Octavius made Philippi a colony (cf.)

3 Ity, Paul and Silas are brought into conflict with Acts 16:12). After the battle of Actium in 31 heathen superstition in one of its worst forms, , Augustus transported a large number of and with the rough violence of colonial authori- Roman veterans to the colony and granted it the ties. In expelling a demon from a slave girl, who status of jus Italicum, which placed it on a par had been a source of much gain for her masters, with the Roman colonies of Italy. Consequently, Paul incurs the wrath of these men, who then Philippi considered itself as being an entirely Ro- falsely accuse Paul and Silas of teaching cus- man city. Its citizens were Roman citizens who toms which are not lawful for us, being Romans, enjoyed all the rights and privileges of such: ex- to receive or observe (Acts 16:21).

4 This appeal emption from scourging, from arrest except in to political prejudice resulted in the imprison- extreme cases, and the right to appeal to the em- ment and beating of Paul and Silas, who were peror. The official language was Latin. They subsequently released from prison by an earth- were governed by their own magistrates who quake. As a result of all this, more people are took great pride in calling themselves Praetors. converted to Christ, including the Philippian These appeared in public with attendant lictors jailor. who bore the official bundles of rods or fasces When Paul left Philippi in the year 52, Timo- with a mace protruding from the center which thy and Luke remained behind to build up the were the symbols of Roman power and author- new church.

5 Timothy soon followed Paul, and ity. when he was sent back to Macedonia from Ath- From our point of interest, Philippi is the ens, he probably again visited Philippi. Luke, it first place in Europe where the gospel was would seem, continued to work in Philippi. His preached. The story of the founding of the first we section (Acts 16:11-40) ends with church at Philippi is told by Luke in Acts 16:11- Paul's departure from Philippi and the second 40. Apparently, the Jewish population of does not begin until Paul again returns to the Philippi was so small that they did not even have city (Acts 20:5,6). This occurred in 58, when a synagogue in which to worship, only a place Paul and the servants of the churches took the where prayer was customarily made by the riv- great collection to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4).

6 Paul erside. The first convert, Lydia, as exhibited by had actually been in Philippi the previous sum- her conduct in offering her house and hospitality mer when on his way from Ephesus to Corinth to Paul and his entourage, was a generous and he spent some time in Macedonia (II Corinthians kind woman, and her actions set the tone of gen- 2:13). Therefore, Paul was in Philippi on three erosity for this church. In Philippians 4:15,16, different occasions. His second visit was proba- this church sent gifts to Paul who was then in bly his longest. It seems very likely that his sec- Thessalonica. And, of course, this present epis- ond letter to the Corinthians, which was written tle returns thanks for a gift sent by the hand of while he was in Macedonia, was written in Epaphroditus while Paul was in Rome during his Philippi.

7 First imprisonment. This church, along with the Timothy is mentioned along with Paul in other churches of Macedonia, had made a name this epistle (1:1). He was with Paul when the Page 1. A Study Of Philippians 2002 by Allan Turner church was established. As was mentioned ear- for them (1:3-11); (2) to report his circum- lier, when Timothy was sent back to Thessa- stances, hopes, and fears (1:12-26); (3) to ex- lonica from Athens, he probably went back to hort them to unity, humility, and consistency Philippi (I Thessalonians 3:1,2,6). Timothy was (1:27-2:18); (4) to inform them of his purpose also in Philippi when Paul sent him by land on to send Timothy and Epaphroditus to them an extended commission from Ephesus to Cor- (2:19-30); (5) to warn them against the Judaiz- inth prior to Paul's own slower journey over the ers (3:1-14) and the antinomianists (3:15-4:1).

8 Same land route. This occurred in 57. Finally, (6) to appeal for the reconciliation of Euodia and Timothy was in the group that took the collec- Syntyche (4:2,3); (7) to admonish them to joy- tion from Corinth to Jerusalem via Philippi (Acts fulness, prayerfulness, and the pursuit of all that 20:4). Timothy's connection with Philippi cast is good (4:4-9); (8) to express his gratitude for light on the statements Paul made about him in their recent gift (4:10-20); and (9) to send his Philippians 2:19-23. Once more this faithful greetings (4:21-23). and beloved servant of Paul's is being sent to this The letter was clearly written from Rome by beloved church. Paul while he was in chains in the Praetorium.

9 He sends greetings from Caesar's household . The Occasion For And Date Of This epistle (4:22), indicates that he expects something to happen very soon concerning his appeal (1:20- In Paul's time, letters were written to people 26), and expresses confident hope that he will at a distance when opportunity presented itself visit the Philippians again (1:26; 2:24). This all to forward them to their destination. In this par- points to Paul's first imprisonment in Rome, ticular case, Epaphroditus was about to return which we know lasted for two whole years . to Philippi (2:38). He had brought Paul a gift (Acts 28:30). In must have been written during and also possibly a letter from the Philippian the end of these two years, which would make church (4:1-14,17,18).

10 Verses that intimate he the date somewhere around 63. may be replying to a letter are found in 1:12; Considerable preaching had already been done 1:19; 1:25f; 2:26; 3:2; and 4:10-13. But, even in Rome since Paul's arrival (1:12-18). if he had not recently received a letter from Furthermore, his case is on verge of a final them, he had received their generous gift. As decision (1:12,13,23-26). This could not have Epaphroditus was about to go back to Philippi, been the case during his early months in the city. Paul took the opportunity to send his warm ex- In addition, considerable time was needed for pression of gratitude, along with his fervent ad- the events to transpire that lie between Paul's monition to steadfastness and humility.