FAITHFULWORD.ORG | TEACHINGS

Philippians 1:3-6; Acts 16:1-3; I Corinthians 9:22; Acts 16:4-18; [Matthew 12:43-45]; Acts 16:19– 32; [Romans 10:17]; Acts 16:34-40; 17:1-3; [I Corinthians 8:1]; Philippians 1:1-11

Paul’s time in Philippi was challenging and the words he wrote to the believers thee were not only from his heart, but inspired by God. It was God’s will of these things to be said. While the letter was addressed to the Philippians, it was encyclical and was later to be read to all the other churches. Philippians 1:3-6 record Paul’s thinking regarding the Philippians. First of all, he was thankful whenever they came to mind. He as also confident that God, Who had begun a good work in the lives of the Philippians, will perform it until the day of Christ’s return.

Acts 16 records Paul’s travels, including his trip to Philippi. Paul had received a vision from God to go to Macedonia where he would meet a man who asked for their help. When they arrived at Philippi, however, they first met some women by the riverside and particularly a woman named Lydia whose heart the Lord opened regarding Jesus Christ and the salvation that was available. While Paul and Silas were in Philippi, they also were followed by a woman with a devil spirit who kept tormenting them. Finally, Paul received revelation to cast the spirits out of her. When her masters, who had been making a profit off her, saw their gains were gone, they got upset and had Paul and Silas thrown in the inner prison. , where people were slated for execution. To be doubly sure there would be no escape, their feet were put into the stocks. Paul and Silas handled this by singing praises to God. Suddenly there was a great earthquake and their bonds were loosed. The jailer was very upset when he saw what had happened because if the prisoners had escaped, he would have received their punishment. Paul, however, called out and told him that the prisoners were all still there. The end result was that the jailer asked Paul what he needed to do to be saved and he and his entire house received salvation. Remember Paul’s vision about a man from Macedonia? It had finally come to pass.

Paul’s heart as God’s representative is revealed in the scriptures. The same God who was faithful with Paul, is faithful with us for our fellowship in the gospel until Christ returns. Paul’s prayer for the Philippians was that their love abounds. This is applicable for us today.