Unshakable Joy!

Here is some helpful background information about Paul’s letter to the Philippians from ChristianityToday.com.

This ancient letter of Paul to the Philippians is unlike the letters of the day, which were brief and to the point. This letter is longer. It speaks not only to the church and individuals, but is also for the rest of the church to overhear! The letter encourages readers toward progress in their faith, all the while addressing specific issues.

Historical Background

Philippi was a Roman city built and fortified by Philip, the father of Alexander the Great in 358-357 BC, founded on Roman law, culture, and practice. Eight miles from the sea, Philippi became a strategic stopping place for the Roman army. The city was rebuilt as a military outpost (42 BC) and made a colony with the highest recognition outside Italy, having strong links to Rome.

Paul’s encounter with the Philippian church is found in Acts 16:11-39. There he found no synagogue in the city, which had a small Jewish population, and on the Sabbath met a group of worshiping women outside the city. He preached Christ, and Lydia, a leading business woman, was converted and the church was established.

This personal letter was written in response to the gift sent to Paul while in prison, by the hand of Epaphroditus, from the Philippian church. Before his return to Philippi Epaphroditus took ill, almost dying. Now recovered Epaphroditus is commended to the Philippians by Paul for his dedication in fulfilling the task he was assigned by the church.

Epaphroditus carried Paul’s Philippian letter on his return to Philippi. In the letter Paul thanks them for the gift, he provides information about his own circumstances, he commends Timothy to the church in anticipation of Paul visiting them again, and addresses various pastoral concerns.

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This Sunday, August 2, we will begin an exciting new series based on the Book of Philippians, “Unshakable Joy!” First up is “Paul’s Love Letter” (Philippians 1:1-11). Please invite someone to join you at the 10:35am worship service in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday to both locations and would love to have you join us!

Reminder: Be sure to check out the online midweek Bible Study (https://www.honoluluag.org/welcome). It is uploaded every Wednesday afternoon to our website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel. Last Wednesday’s valuable study was “Change the Channel on Worry!” Also, please join us for Bible Study this Sunday morning at 9:30am. There are two classes for children, one for youth, and one for adults (studing the Gospel of John). Be blessed and grow in your Christian life by studying the Bible together!

Aloha and Aloha ke Akua!