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Philippians, Chapter Four, Lesson Three

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V.14 (cont'd.)

** Since that was true, was there any value in the Philippians efforts to share with Paul in his affliction?

Yes! Paul says, "Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction."
cf. Philippians.1:5

Even though Paul had learned to be content, it was a very good thing for the Philippians to share with him during a time of pressing need.

V.15 ** In verse 15, Paul mentions his departure from Macedonia. What main cities of record would we find there?

Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica and Berea.

** The two most noted churches in the Macedonia region were Philippi and Thessalonica. Do you think that the saints in Philippi needed another church to follow, in order to learn how to give to the apostle's needs?

No - "...no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone."

** How many ministry efforts outside of Macedonia was Paul able to start before the Philippians were there to help?

None, he said, "...at the first preaching of the gospel..." or literally, at the beginning of the gospel. cf. 2Corinthians 11:7-9

We too should be eager to help one another, as well as those who spread the marvelous truth of the gospel.

V.16 ** Well, we have seen that the Philippians would not let Paul even get started in Achaia (Athens and Corinth) without helping him. But did they even wait for him to leave their Macedonia?

No - They helped him "even in Thessalonica". Right next door, approximately 100 miles from Philippi, they wanted to send help.

** Was this just a one time, flash in the pan, type of gesture?

No, again - They "sent a gift more than once" for the needs of Paul. These beloved people would not be denied from their passion of wanting to be a part of what God was doing through Paul.
cf. 2Corinthians 8:1-5

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