PAUL'S LETTER TO PHILIPPI

     THE CITY OF PHILIPPI: Located nine miles inland from the
seaport town of Neapolis (the modern Kavala), Philippi became a
Roman province in B.C. 146. The city had become a Roman Colony (Acts
16:12) with many privileges: freedom from taxation; the people had
the right to own and sell property like other Roman citizens; they
had the right of civil action. Roman inscriptions were on their
coinage. The city had its own magistrates who called them Praetores
(Acts 16:20-38). The famous "Egnatian Way" ran by Philippi and added
to its importance as an ancient outpost of Rome. A city of
political, commercial and geographical importance. Luke calls it
"the first of the district" (Acts 16:12).

     THE CHURCH AT PHILIPPI: Established during Paul's second
missionary journey (A.D. 52), as recorded in Acts 16. Paul was
accompanied by Silas (Acts 15:40), Timothy (Acts 16:3) and Luke
(Acts 16:9, 10). The first converts were Lydia, her household and
the Jailor, with his house. The apostle was shamefully treated while
in Philippi (1 Thess. 2:1). From the very beginning the church had
assisted Paul in his material needs (Phil. 4:15,16), even though
they themselves were in deep poverty (2 Cor. 8:1,2). Their latest
gift was especially gratifying to the aged apostle, now a prisoner
in Rome. Epaphroditus had brought the "odor of a sweet smell" (Phil.
4:18) and Paul pours forth his intense feelings of gratitude and joy
for these concerned brethren in Philippi.

     THE OBJECT OF THE EPISTLE: To express the thanks of the apostle
for the favors which they had conferred on him, and to comfort them
with the hope that he might be soon set at liberty.

     TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING: Composed in "bonds" (1:13,14); the
phrase "throughout the whole Praetorian guard" (1:13) suggest Rome;
"Caesar's household" (4:22). Paul had probably been in Rome for
considerable time (2:25,26). Philippi had time to hear of
Epaphroditus' illness and expressed concern. Thus, the time is set
during his imprisonment in Rome, about A.D. 61 or 62. Written before
A.D. 64 and the disastrous fire at Rome in the time of Nero.

     INTRODUCTION: There is, perhaps, not one of the epistles of the
apostle Paul which is so tender, and which abounds so much with
expressions of kindness, as this. Other churches Paul rebuked
severely; Galatia, Corinth; but there was nothing in the church at
Philippi that demanded rebuke. There was much that called for
commendation and gratitude. Their conduct toward him had been very
generous. Thus, the language is very affectionate as Paul expresses
his great love for them. The apostle felt that death was nearing and
he pours out his heart as he expresses his grateful remembrance of
all that they had done for him. Here is the language of a loving
father conveying his deepest feelings and love toward them.  Though
an apostle, he does not speak as one of authority, but rather, as a
loving friend and fellow partaker in the gospel.

     ONE PROBLEM: Warnings against a false self-satisfaction. (1:27;
2:2-4, 14; 4:5).

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