one of the chief cities of Macedonia, lying on the north-west
of Neapolis, and formerly called Datum or Datos, but afterward taking
its name from Philip, the celebrated king of Macedon, by whom it was
repaired and beautified. In process of time, it became a Roman colony.
It was the first place at which St. Paul preached the Gospel upon the
continent of Europe, A. D. 51. He made many converts there, who soon
afterward gave strong proofs of their attachment to him, Phil. iv, 15.
He was at Philippi a second time, but nothing which then occurred is
recorded. The Philippian Christians having heard of St. Paul’s
imprisonment at Rome, with their accustomed zeal, sent Epaphroditus to
assure him of the continuance of their regard, and to offer him a supply
of money. His epistle was written in consequence of that act of
kindness; and it is remarkable for its strong expressions of affection.
As the Apostle tells the Philippians that he hoped to see them shortly,
Phil. ii, 24, and there are plain intimations in this epistle of his
having been some time at Rome, Phil. i, 12; ii, 26, it is probable that
it was written A. D. 62, toward the end of his confinement.
It is a strong proof,” says Chrysostom, of the virtuous conduct of the
Philippians, that they did not afford the Apostle a single subject of
complaint; for, in the whole epistle which he wrote to them, there is
nothing but exhortation and encouragement, without the mixture of any
censure whatever.”
of Neapolis, and formerly called Datum or Datos, but afterward taking
its name from Philip, the celebrated king of Macedon, by whom it was
repaired and beautified. In process of time, it became a Roman colony.
It was the first place at which St. Paul preached the Gospel upon the
continent of Europe, A. D. 51. He made many converts there, who soon
afterward gave strong proofs of their attachment to him, Phil. iv, 15.
He was at Philippi a second time, but nothing which then occurred is
recorded. The Philippian Christians having heard of St. Paul’s
imprisonment at Rome, with their accustomed zeal, sent Epaphroditus to
assure him of the continuance of their regard, and to offer him a supply
of money. His epistle was written in consequence of that act of
kindness; and it is remarkable for its strong expressions of affection.
As the Apostle tells the Philippians that he hoped to see them shortly,
Phil. ii, 24, and there are plain intimations in this epistle of his
having been some time at Rome, Phil. i, 12; ii, 26, it is probable that
it was written A. D. 62, toward the end of his confinement.
It is a strong proof,” says Chrysostom, of the virtuous conduct of the
Philippians, that they did not afford the Apostle a single subject of
complaint; for, in the whole epistle which he wrote to them, there is
nothing but exhortation and encouragement, without the mixture of any
censure whatever.”