Philippi existed in the border region of Macedonia and Thrace on the Greek peninsula.
Philippi's first mention was in Acts 16:9-12 during the second mission trip of
the apostle Paul.
9. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."
10. After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
11. From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis.
12. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.
Acts 20:1-6: Paul's third mission trip
1. When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said good-by and set out for Macedonia.
2. He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece,
3. where he stayed three months. Because the Jews made a plot against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia.
4. He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.
5. These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas.
6. But we sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.
Three epistles referred to Philippi, starting with 2 Corinthians 13:14 (King James)
14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. [The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.]
Greetings to the believers in Philippi - Philippians 1:1-6:
1. Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
2. Grace and peace to you from God our Father aand the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. I thank my God every time I remember you.
4. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
5. because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
6. being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Verse 2 of 1 Thessalonians 2:1-7 mentioned Philippi:
1. You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.
2. We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.
3. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.
4. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
5. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed--God is our witness.
6. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you,
7. but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.
Interestingly enough, Philippians 4, verse 15 has the only mention of the residents of Philippi, known as Philippians.
Philippians 4:12-19:
12. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
13. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.
15. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;
16. for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.
17. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.
18. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
19. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
