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A Journey Through Philippi: The context of St. Paul's letter to the Philippians
Explore the vibrant Greco-Roman backdrop of the Apostle Paul's letter of Philippians. The Roman colony of Philippi was the first city Paul encountered as his missionary journeys expanded into Greece. Paul’s stop in Philippi proved eventful, including casting out a spirit from a servant girl and spending the night in the local jail. Lydia’s acceptance of the gospel message laid the foundation for the beginnings of the Philippian church.
The church in Philippi quickly became known for their generous support of Paul and his message. It was while under house arrest in Rome that Paul would pen his letter of Philippians. His primary message was that, while their earthly citizenship would draw them to the ascending path of honor and glory, their heavenly citizenship would call them to the descending path of servanthood. His encouragement was to follow the example of Christ and take the downward path.
When understood through the worldview of the original hearers – the Philippian church – many Greco-Roman threads can be traced through the letter of Philippians. These include the rights and responsibilities of Roman citizenship, the Roman cursus honorum, or path of honors, and the ancient Olympic games. Embark on a journey through Philippi in this comprehensive exploration of the biblical and historical landscape of the New Testament book of Philippians.
The church in Philippi quickly became known for their generous support of Paul and his message. It was while under house arrest in Rome that Paul would pen his letter of Philippians. His primary message was that, while their earthly citizenship would draw them to the ascending path of honor and glory, their heavenly citizenship would call them to the descending path of servanthood. His encouragement was to follow the example of Christ and take the downward path.
When understood through the worldview of the original hearers – the Philippian church – many Greco-Roman threads can be traced through the letter of Philippians. These include the rights and responsibilities of Roman citizenship, the Roman cursus honorum, or path of honors, and the ancient Olympic games. Embark on a journey through Philippi in this comprehensive exploration of the biblical and historical landscape of the New Testament book of Philippians.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
1 person is currently reading
About the author
David Gwartney
5 books15 followersDavid Gwartney has traveled to biblical sites in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Greece, and Turkey, gaining an understanding of places that bring scripture to life. He grew up in Tallahassee, Florida and met his wife, Tiffany, in Orlando, Florida, while earning his first master’s degree in Business Administration. He spent the next thirteen years living in Chicago, Illinois. While in Chicago, he earned his Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, studying both Greek and Hebrew languages. He then planted a church in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of the city, where he pastored for seven years. His travels and studies have led to two books exploring the Greco-Roman context of Paul’s letters to Ephesus (A Journey Through Ephesus) and Colossae (A Journey Through Colossae). He currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida and works as a Business Analyst, but is always planning his next adventure to ancient sites.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 19, 2024
A Journey Through Philippi by David Gwartney, offers a captivating and immersive experience into the ancient city of Philippi. The author's narrative commentary approach skillfully balances the story and the context behind Paul's letters, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the biblical text.
The author's firsthand exploration of Philippi and other historical sites brings a unique perspective to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the rich history and culture of the region. The personal anecdotes shared, such as interactions with locals and insights gained from walking the streets, add a layer of authenticity to the storytelling that you won't want to miss.
Gwartney's dedication to presenting the original intent of the biblical passages shines through his storytelling, offering readers a fresh and insightful interpretation. By delving into the historical context and weaving together stories from the past, he creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers on a genuinely profound level.
Overall, "A Journey Through Philippi" is a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of biblical texts and a desire to explore the ancient world through a narrative lens. Gwartney's passion for history and storytelling is evident throughout the book, making it a truly enlightening and engaging read.
The author's firsthand exploration of Philippi and other historical sites brings a unique perspective to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the rich history and culture of the region. The personal anecdotes shared, such as interactions with locals and insights gained from walking the streets, add a layer of authenticity to the storytelling that you won't want to miss.
Gwartney's dedication to presenting the original intent of the biblical passages shines through his storytelling, offering readers a fresh and insightful interpretation. By delving into the historical context and weaving together stories from the past, he creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers on a genuinely profound level.
Overall, "A Journey Through Philippi" is a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of biblical texts and a desire to explore the ancient world through a narrative lens. Gwartney's passion for history and storytelling is evident throughout the book, making it a truly enlightening and engaging read.
February 20, 2024
Historical context and modern application
While David writes a narrative to help contextualize the deeper truth combined with the culture of the time, my most significant take away exists in the practical application of a few points. Protecting your thoughts from worry and anxiety, directing our thoughts to the good that God wants for us, and adopting God’s perspective for us to pave the way toward contentment. Overall, our lives, as a race to the top of the mountain, disconnects us from the contentment of following Jesus as he descends to become a servant to all. Truly knowing yourself means giving results to God while you follow his path. Focusing on the steps God provides automatically leads towards success on His terms. Ending with forwarding the idea that it’s impossible to find a better success for your life than the one the creator of the universe provides.
While David writes a narrative to help contextualize the deeper truth combined with the culture of the time, my most significant take away exists in the practical application of a few points. Protecting your thoughts from worry and anxiety, directing our thoughts to the good that God wants for us, and adopting God’s perspective for us to pave the way toward contentment. Overall, our lives, as a race to the top of the mountain, disconnects us from the contentment of following Jesus as he descends to become a servant to all. Truly knowing yourself means giving results to God while you follow his path. Focusing on the steps God provides automatically leads towards success on His terms. Ending with forwarding the idea that it’s impossible to find a better success for your life than the one the creator of the universe provides.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews