Background on Philippians
In Paul’s second missional journey, before reaching Philippi, his experience in the field was dominated by interactions with the local Jews. This was partially Paul’s wheelhouse as he himself was a Pharisee whose heart burned for his people to know Jesus. Bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles took quite a bit of convincing in the Apostles. Beginning with the the Lord’s work in Peter (Acts 10:34-43) it was a calling Paul eventually took up with boldness. After all, the further Paul got from Jerusalem and toward Rome on his journeys, the less presence and influence the Jews had over society, Philippi being a strong case of this reality.
A distinguished Roman Colony, the mission field in Philippi is unique from the others for a few key reasons. Luke touches briefly on the significance of Philippi compared to the other Macedonia cities in what is commonly suggested as a reference to their thriving economic climate (Acts 16:12). Societally though, the city’s historical connection to the conquests of Octavian and Mark Antony made for a proud final resting place for soldiers after their service (Guzik, 2017). Showing his appreciation for his retired soldiers, Antony also gave Philippi the status of Ius italicum, which elevated Philippi to the same legal status as if it were literally a geographic part of Italy (Long, 2017). This means Philippi is governed by Roman law and Roman practices. In short, the populous of Philippi were proud of their Roman citizenship… and according to the enraged businessmen later on in chapter 16, they were very proud of that citizenship.
The businessmen…
Receive the ministry of the Gospel as an attack on their citizenship.
Assumes the missionaries’s lack of citizenship due to their Jewish appearance.
Appeals to these grounds to win the favor of the local government to arrest the missionaries.
In one sense, the businessmen, though only responding to their terminated source of revenue, receive this as if it were an attempted deconversion.
For Paul and the missionaries, the social landscape has swung dramatically. In Lystra, they encountered a Jewish population in the minority, but taking it a step further Philippi’s religion is Rome. With no synagogue to attend, they are associated with the other pagans as even Jews did not have a place of worship in the city. Religious influence is a sidelined player in this world of affairs. With this in mind, let us be reminded that Paul and Silas do not shrink back.
Though America is occasionally dubbed as a morally Christian nation, the Pacific Northwest seems a far cry from that. We regularly operate in a world not appealing to religious texts but recently drafted laws. We live among a populous that doesn’t turn to God but to political officials, activists, and outspoken leaders; human beings. Most importantly, we walk around our neighborhoods and main streets and do not find temples and religious appeal, but something much different. But let's keep this in the light of religion and what we are worshiping. The world is not sitting passively by but is offering a different god to worship, the businessmen and the Jailor showing their devotion (the Jailor thankfully saved).
It’s important then, for us to consider the response from Paul and Silas, or rather, their continued devotion, and ultimately the hope we have in Christ. When Paul and Silas first reach the city, with no synagogue to go to, they continue to pray somewhere else, and God continues to meet them there. When their circumstances are a product of fierce resistance to the Gospel, they continue to worship God even in the prison cell. In the letter we have from Paul back to this church that has formed, we see this persist still as Paul writes from another prison cell elsewhere in the region. The world is in opposition to the message of the Gospel, we live in a world living counter to the hope we have, and the mission we live goes toe-to-toe with this reality.
How beautiful it is that we serve a God who could use and redeem such instances. Because of His mercy and sovereignty over us, we can worship in prison cells, we can pray with hopefulness and joy even when facing opposition. Acts and all through Philippians is a testimony to God’s faithfulness to His people and that nothing in this world is going to slow this message. Especially considering that these sufferings only deepen the faith of God’s people and advance His kingdom even further.
As you read through the journey and letter to the Philippians, consider the response of God’s people in the face of suffering. Then think of your context and the invitation to continued devotion, that God is faithful to His people always and the Gospel overcomes.
What sort of cultural opposition do you face in your current context?
What sort of heart posture and mindset should we have to continue in our devotion to Christ in light of the hardships we face?
Why is it important that we stay true to the mission of God and follow Jesus?
