Grace & Peace
Philippians 1:1-2
I. Unshackled – Philippians introduced (other side) – Acts. 16.
II. What’s in a title? – v. 1.
A. Leadership in God’s economy – totally opposite from the world’s view –
i. Nature - bond-servants
ii. Number – multiple
ἐπισκόποιςκαὶδιακόνοις – plural masculine nouns
B. Unique position of a believer within Christianity – saints
III. Walking in grace & peace – v. 2.
A. Grace – God’s unmerited favor
B. Peace –a wholeness of life resulting from forgiveness of sins and reconciliation to God through Jesus.
1) No peace without grace.
2) No grace and peace but from God our Father – James 1:17.
3) No grace and peace from God but through Jesus.
4) Grace and peace are ours if we walk with the Lord.
Grace & peace – our most treasured possessions in this world – from God through Jesus
Facts about Philippi:
· Founded in the 4th century B.C. and renamed after King Philip of Macedon, Philippi was an important outpost on the Via Egnatia.
· The Via Egnatia was built beginning in 145 B.C. This route was Rome's primary artery to the east and Philippi was an important outpost along the road. The Egnatian Way made it easier for Rome to move troops throughout the empire and it was the route that Paul traveled on from Neapolis to Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia and Thessalonica.
· Philippi means "Fountains" and is located in Greece near the head of the Aegean Sea and at the foot of Mt. Orbelos.
· On his 2nd MJ, Paul preached for the first time on European soil in Philippi (Acts 16:12-40) and baptized a woman named Lydia, a purple dye merchant in a river to the west of the city.
· In 49 or 50 A.D., Paul was imprisoned with Silas in the Philippian jail. An earthquake caused their prison to be opened. (Acts 16:16-24)
· Its Citizens – given “Italic Right” = Roman citizenship + exemption from taxes
· Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians around 61-62 A.D. from prison in Rome
· Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi was a thank-you note for their financial support sent through their pastor Epaphroditus
