The Philippian Church - Part 1

We are just beginning our study of the book of Philippians. This first message will give you some historical background of the city of Philippi, and then, from Acts 16, a Biblical background of how God started the church in Philippi.

Philippi was originally known as Krenides, which means “little fountains.” It was mostly populated by Romans and therefore it had many Roman customs. Now Philippi had a very small Jewish population. It was during Paul’s 2nd missionary journey that he came to Philippi, which was around 49-50AD. It was at that time that the church at Philippi was established.

Now this letter was very personal, relational and encouraging. There is not much doctrinal instruction in this book compared to many of Paul’s other epistles. But one thing that clearly comes out in this letter is Paul’s passion and heart to live for the Lord. Philippians 1:21

The church of Philippi was started when Paul, Timothy, Silas and Luke were, led by the Holy Spirit to leave Asia Minor and come to Macedonia, to Europe. There is no doubt that Jesus Christ, working through the Holy Spirit was building this church. Paul and his companions were led to a river where they met some women praying, including Lydia, the leader of their little group. The Lord sovereignly, supernaturally, and spiritually opened Lydia’s heart to the truth of the gospel; and a number of these women became Christians.

Paul and his gospel team then stayed on in Philippi, building up this little church. On one particular afternoon, Paul and his team were going to pray, and they were bothered and troubled by a young demon possessed girl. Proverbs 16:9.