Philippians Lecture 1 – The Spread of the Church

St. Paul has an effusive relationship with the Church of Philippi. Philippi was the beachhead of Christian evangelization in Europe. The stoning of Steven led to the scattering of the Church in Jerusalem and Judea. As a result, the faith spreads out to Gentile populations. Initially Gentile conversions were not a focus, but a side…

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Philippians Lecture 3 – Arriving in Philippi

Paul entered Asia but the Holy Spirit prevented him from evangelizing. He has a vision of a Macedonian man encouraging him to come to Macedonia. Paul makes his way to Phillipi, a major city in Macedonia. Phillipi is a rich port city with access to farmland and gold. It is also the site of the…

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Philippians Lecture 4 – Beginning to Preach

Some of Paul and Luke’s initial efforts at preaching in Philippi are chronicled. They meet and convert Lydia, a wealthy woman who would later be helpful in their other Macedonian efforts. They are arrested and beaten for their work, yet their are freed by the Lord through an earthquake. They convert their jailer and his…

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Philippians Lecture 5 – Introducing the Church of Philippi

Paul maintains a warm friendship with the church of Philippi. They are poor and persecuted but joyful and generous beyond their means. Paul’s letter to them, written from prison, reflects that effusive joy. Some references to Philippi in the other letters are discussed. Download MP3 (19:29; 13 MB)

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Philippians Lecture 6 – Salutations

Paul introduces himself and Timothy as servants of Christ Jesus, and the significance of this title is discussed. The letter is addressed to the entire community, not just the overseers and deacons. They are all saints, through grace in Jesus Christ. The titles of overseer and deacon also have different connotations in that time than…

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Philippians Lecture 7 – Paul’s Thanksgiving

Paul is incredibly thankful to God for Philippi, and thankful for God’s grace and work through them. This thankfulness buoys him as he serves his prison sentence, and is a model for us as we are called to “rejoice always and in everything give thanks.” Download MP3 (28:35; 19 MB)

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Philippians Lecture 8 – Glory to God through Chains

Paul calls for the Philippians’ love to grow and abound in knowledge and in understanding. He discusses suffering, giving joy that his imprisonment has led his preaching the Gospel to have such a wide reach. He argues that persecution is a privilege and a sign of one’s devotion to Christ. Download MP3 (28:15; 20 MB)

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Philippians Lecture 9 – Spiritual Unity

Paul has concerns about unity breaking down in Philippians at a spiritual level. They have suffered years of persecution and poverty. Paul comforts them in this, saying it is a sign from God. They have been granted suffering for Him, and the evildoers will be punished. Download MP3 (17:50; 25 MB)

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Philippians Lecture 10 – Unity as Witness

Paul exhorts the Philippians stand firm with one another and to be of one mind in the strongest rhetorical terms. Unity in Christ is a witness to Christ and the lack of unity is a scandal. Real love (not sentimental love) binds Christians one to another. All of us should have the same disposition, the…

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