This probably one of Paul's most upbeat and happy letters- even considering he was in prison (either in Rome or Ephesus) when he wrote this! He mentions several times that he is in prison, and also gives us an indication that he might be executed for preaching and teaching about Christ!
Philippi is a Roman farming community in now what is northern Greece (see map below); it is about 100 miles east of Thessalonica, and both are located in the Roman province of Macedonia. Thessalonica was the capitol of the region, but Philippi was a port city, with much surrounding fertile farm land, on a Roman road called the Via Egnatia.
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| Location of Philippi Paul started the church in Philippi around 50 AD; it was the first church on European soil and could be technically called the birthplace of Western Christianity! Pal's travels to Europe were addressed in Acts 16:6-10, when he had a vision of a man calling for help in Macedonia. The major themes of this letter include Pal's theology on incarnation, humility, suffering, and fellowship.The impetus behind the letter is the gift of money and support from the Philippians that was given to Paul while he was in prison. Their love and concern for Paul greatly impacted him and he felt the need to write this letter to them. This is a great letter there is so much that is applicable for our lives in our world today! |
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