Background
The establishment of the church at Philippi marked the entrance of
the gospel into Europe. It happened during Paul’s second missionary
journey and is outlined in considerable detail in Acts 16.12-40.
Philippi was a prominent city in the region of Macedonia where
Thessalonica was the capital. Philip II of Macedonia established the
city and fortified it in 360 BC. In 167 BC it became part of the
Roman Empire, but it’s real significance was established in 31 BC.
At this time Octavian (later known as Augustus) defeated Antony and Cleopatra at the battle of Actium.
Following this victory Octavian established the city as a Roman colony which meant its citizens had
bestowed on them a privileged status.
In conferring the ius Italicum, Augustus gave Philippi a privilege by
which the whole legal position of the colonists in respect of ownership,
transfer of land, payment of taxes, local administration and
law, became the same as if they were on Italian soil. As Roman
citizens they enjoyed freedom from scourging and arrest and the
right of appeal to Caesar.
The Church at Philippi
Paul writes to the Church that he had formerly established (See
Acts 16.12ff) while he is in prison in Rome—approx. 61-63 AD.
There is debate amongst scholars about the timing and location of
this letter’s writing but most favour his Roman imprisonment, and
thus a later dating.
It is a letter overflowing with joy but also with undercurrent that time
is short. It is a letter written with passion and emotion exhorting his
readers to build their lives on the gospel. He thanks them for their
support, gives them details of his circumstances, encourages, unity,
humility and perseverance.
The word for joy appears in its various forms 16 times in the letter
as Paul draws attention to the irrepressible joy that belongs to the
Christian alone through their faith in Christ.
It is this joy that is often lacking in our lives today—it should not be!
May the study of Paul’s letter to the Philippians set alight the fires of
joy in our heart such that it brings fresh vigour to our living and light
to others.
Michael Crichton
Irrepressible Joy — Sermons on Philippians
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