Holy Bible - Obsidian Study Guide

Philippi

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Philippi

Overview

  • Type: Roman colony / Leading city
  • Testament: New
  • Modern Location: Near Kavala (ancient Neapolis), northeastern Greece; ruins at Filippoi

Biblical Significance

Philippi was a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony, meaning its inhabitants held Roman citizenship and the city was governed by Roman law with Latin as its official language. Founded originally as Krenides and renamed by Philip II of Macedon (father of Alexander the Great), it was refounded as a Roman colony by Augustus after his victory at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, where Mark Antony and Octavian defeated Brutus and Cassius. Veterans of the Roman legions were settled there, giving the city a distinctly military and Roman character uncommon in Greece.

It was at Philippi that the gospel first took root on European soil. Paul arrived after receiving the Macedonian vision at Troas, crossing the Aegean with Silas, Timothy, and Luke. The first convert in Europe was Lydia, a businesswoman and worshiper of God from Thyatira who dealt in expensive purple cloth. Her household was baptized and her home became the church’s first meeting place. The imprisonment of Paul and Silas after the exorcism of a slave girl, their miraculous release by an earthquake, the conversion of the jailer, and the authorities’ embarrassed apology when they learned Paul was a Roman citizen all demonstrate the gospel’s power over both spiritual and political authority.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians, written from prison, is arguably his most personally affectionate letter. He calls them his joy and crown, expresses longing to be with them, and holds up the example of Christ’s self-emptying humility as the pattern for Christian community. The church’s repeated financial support of Paul’s ministry was exceptional in his experience. Philippi receives the famous Christ-hymn of Philippians 2:5-11, the repeated calls to rejoice, and the benediction of Philippians 4:7 about the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Key Events

Key People Associated

  • Paul (Apostle) - founded the church; wrote Philippians from prison
  • Silas - co-planted the church; imprisoned with Paul
  • Lydia - first European Christian; her home was the first church meeting place
  • Timothy - ministered in Philippi with Paul and later sent on his behalf
  • Epaphroditus - Philippian messenger who brought gifts to Paul in prison

Important Verses

  • Acts 16:11-40
  • Philippians 1:3-6
  • Philippians 2:5-11
  • Philippians 4:4-7

Cross-References

  • Acts - detailed account of Paul’s first visit and the founding of the church
  • Philippians - the letter to this church
  • Macedonia - the Roman province in which Philippi was located
  • Troas - where Paul received the Macedonian vision before sailing to Philippi

Notes

  • Philippi’s Roman colonial status explains both the importance the city attached to Paul’s Roman citizenship and the unique Roman legal dynamics of his imprisonment and public apology from the magistrates
  • The Philippian church’s consistent financial support of Paul is noted in Philippians 4:15-16 — they sent gifts to him in Thessalonica even during his early ministry, and again during his imprisonment
  • The Philippians 2 “Christ hymn” (kenosis passage) is one of the most debated and theologically rich passages in the NT, describing the Son’s voluntary self-emptying and subsequent exaltation

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