I thank my God every time I remember you.
Summary: Paul’s thankfulness for the church at Philippi is a sign of his love for them and his memories of his time with the Philippians.
Do you know anybody you’d do that for?
Do you know someone, whom every time you think of them, you literally thank God for that person?
Paul does!
The church at Philippi has a special place in Paul’s heart. Luke records their first meeting (Acts 16: 13-15).
It was a Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. Paul and his companions had heard that there was a “place of prayer” down by the river, not far outside the city gates of Philippi. Some women had gathered there, and so, just as Jesus took time to speak with the woman at the well (John 4:1-26), they sat down by the river to talk with the women.
Paul, being Paul, shared the gospel message he had been given from the Lord. At least one of the women there “opened her heart” to that message. She and those who belonged to her household were baptized, and then she invited Paul, Luke, and the others with them to stay at her house.
Paul and his companions agreed.
We don’t know how long Paul stayed in Philippi, but it was long enough to start the church there. Not having formal church organizations and church buildings, churches in Paul’s day met in houses. Lydia’s house might have been the first church there.
As Paul’s presence in the city became known, he attracted attention. One of the people who noticed him was a fortune-teller of sorts who obsessed over Paul. Like the demons who shouted “You are the Son of God!” to Jesus (Luke 4:41), she shouted, “These men are servants of the Most High God…” (Acts 16:17). Like Jesus, who rebuked the demons and wouldn’t let them speak, Paul rebuked the woman and commanded the spirit to come out of her.
It left, leaving her owners without their fortune-teller and the fortune she had made for them. In their anger, they stirred up a riot of sorts, had Paul beaten, and then threw him in jail. That night, the jail was rocked by an earthquake, and “the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose” (Acts 16:26).
In a dramatic turn of events, the jailer and his household were baptized and became part of the church there. Shortly after, Paul left the city to continue his mission work.
Even though he left, he kept the memories of Philippi close to his heart (Philippians 1:7).
Application: Be thankful for the believers God brings into your path.
Food for Thought: How does God use our personal relationships to further his work?
God gives us personal relationships as both a place of rest and to help others. The thing about a personal relationship is, one is able to articulate thoughts, feelings, and plans that we may not feel comfortable sharing with just anyone. Also in a personal relationship, the people involved “know” a bit about each other and are able to speak and act in a way that is familiar and helpful. In a personal relationship one can offer or receive encouragement or collaborate ideas that further God’s work. Two, or more, people, aligned in furthering the Gospel of Christ, could support each other, encourage each other, help keep each other “out of trouble,” and provide the fellowship needed to venture into areas of ministry one person may not venture into alone.
Proverbs 13:20
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Thank you, Chris!
I love the picture of “walking with the wise!”
There are so many possible ways to answer this question. I will share one: God uses personal relationships to encourage me when I am hurting, feeling lost or heavy hearted.
Ecclesiastes 4: 9 – 12: Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
11Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Thanks, Rich!
I am thankful you have people around you to support your amazing ministry!
How does God use our personal relationships to further his work?
God’s personal relationship with His people is a central theme throughout the Bible. With me, my big question as a new believer was “ Why have I been left on earth, what am I supposed to do now? “
A brother told me, to keep studying the Bible and I would find out.
In time I did find my purpose is to love, live in God as I submit to His Lordship, allowing Him to dwell among and serve others through me.
My job is to stay alert, focused on this calling as He brings the people Into my small sphere of influence. The majority are people who are rejected by others, sit by themselves in church and quietly leave after service. Let them know they have value, help them learn to laugh and look forward to worship service with our Lord.
All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along. Galatians 2:10
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:13-14
Thank you, Ron!
Caring for the lonely, especially in church, is such an important ministry!
Thank you all for the great comments and examples of God’s power at work.