Description
Preview
What you get:
- Tips for teaching Philippians in a Bible Study
- 36 Discussion Questions for the Book of Philippians
- Answers and insights for all 36 Discussion Questions
- 6 High-definition maps that track the stories of Paul in Philippi
- 2 Versions: high-resolution; optimized for mobile devices
Sample map from Philippians Leaders Guide & Atlas
Philippi: First Church of Europe
In all of Paul’s travels—some 10,000 miles (16,000 km), over a stretch of nearly two decades—there’s only one church that donated to his ministry. Philippi.
Plenty of churches gave him donations to take back to needy people in Jerusalem. But Paul didn’t seem to take donations for himself, except from the church at Philippi.
In fact, in a letter to the church at Corinth, he reminded the people that he and Barnabas were bi-vocational ministers who supported themselves (1 Corinthians 9:6). Paul earned an income “by making tents” (Acts 18:3).
Why Paul accepted gifts from the church in Philippi is anyone’s guess. But one guess might have to do with his first contact there: Lydia, apparently a wealthy businesswoman who “worshiped God and made her living by selling purple fabric” (Acts 16:14), which was the most expensive fabric available.
Paul now finds himself under arrest and awaiting a trial that will determine whether he lives or dies. Many Bible experts say he dies. Others say he is released but is arrested a couple of years later, tried, and executed.
Wherever Paul is while he writes this letter, the people of Philippi find him. They send a messenger with supplies—possibly clothes, food, and money. Perhaps some reading material, too.
The messenger apparently gets sick and almost dies during the trip. He recovers, and Paul sends him back with a thank you letter we now know as the short Bible book of Philippians.
In addition to the Philippians Leaders Guide & Atlas
You might consider the Ephesians Leaders Guide & Atlas
Best resource for comparing other Bible translations: Bible Gateway. This isn’t an ad. It’s a recommendation from the Casual English Bible.
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