Berean Study Bible Greetings from Paul and TimothyPaul, once Saul of Tarsus, was a Pharisee and Roman citizen whose conversion on the road to Damascus made him a leading apostle to the Gentiles. Timothy was Paul’s younger coworker, raised in a Jewish home by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois, with a Greek father. By calling themselves servants of Christ Jesus, they identify their lives and work as belonging wholly to their Lord. Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle,… To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, Paul addresses every believer in the church, set apart for God through union with Christ. Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia, and its church was established during Paul’s second missionary journey. It was the first congregation founded in Europe and included converts such as Lydia, the jailer, and their households. Eph 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,… together with the overseers and deacons: The church at Philippi had recognized leaders responsible for spiritual care, teaching, order, and practical service. Overseers guarded and directed the congregation, while deacons assisted in meeting its needs. Their inclusion shows an established church ordered for faithful ministry and service. 1Ti 3:1-13 This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be… Grace and peace to you Paul joins familiar Greek and Jewish forms of greeting to address a church made up of Jews and Gentiles. Grace is God’s undeserved favor in salvation, and peace is the reconciliation with God and settled security believers receive through Christ. Rom 1:7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints… from God our Father God is the Father of all who belong to Christ. Through faith, believers are received into His family and live under His care, provision, and authority. Gal 1:3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father… and the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus, whose name means “Yahweh saves,” is the risen Lord, the promised Christ, or Messiah, meaning “Anointed One,” and the Savior whose authority is equal with the Father’s. Paul presents the Father and the Son together as the source of grace and peace for the church. 1Th 1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church…
Thanksgiving and PrayerThough imprisoned, Paul begins with gratitude, showing his confidence in God’s rule over his circumstances and his personal dependence on Him. Rom 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you,… every time Paul’s thanksgiving was regular and sincere, marking the Philippian believers as a continual part of his prayers. 2Ti 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience… I remember you. He recalls their faith, their early support of his ministry, and their partnership in the gospel. His remembrance reflects genuine pastoral affection for a church that had remained faithful to him. Rom 1:9 God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel… In every prayer for all of you, Paul remembers the whole Philippian congregation before God. Founded during his second missionary journey, the church had remained closely connected to him through years of ministry and hardship. His concern extends to every believer, reflecting the unity of the church as one body in Christ. 1Th 1:2 We always thank God for all of you, remembering you… I always pray Though imprisoned, Paul continues to intercede faithfully for them. His prayers include gratitude for their partnership in the gospel and confidence that God will sustain their faith. Rom 1:9-10 God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel… with joy, Paul’s joy rests in Christ and in the Philippians’ steadfast fellowship in the gospel. Their generosity, faithfulness, and shared commitment to the work of Christ give him reason to rejoice even while suffering. Jhn 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in My name.… because of your partnership The Philippians shared deeply in Paul’s ministry through prayer, giving, encouragement, and personal service. Their support reflected a united commitment to Christ’s work rather than a distant interest in it. 2Co 8:4 they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege… in the gospel They participated in making known the good news of Jesus Christ—His death, burial, resurrection, and saving work. Their help enabled Paul to continue preaching, teaching, and establishing believers in the faith. 2Ti 1:8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,… from the first day From Paul’s arrival in Philippi, the believers responded to the gospel with practical hospitality and support. Lydia’s welcome of Paul and his companions showed the church’s early devotion to the work God had begun among them. Act 16:13-15 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate… until now, Their commitment had continued through the years, even while Paul faced imprisonment and opposition. The Philippian church remained faithful to him and to the advance of the gospel. 1Co 1:8 He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be… being confident of this, Though imprisoned, Paul rests in God’s faithfulness rather than favorable circumstances or human strength. His confidence arises from God’s sovereign purpose in the lives of His people. 1Th 5:24 The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. that He who began a good work in you God initiated His saving work in the Philippian believers, whom Paul first encountered when the church was established in Philippi during his second missionary journey. Their faith and growth were the result of God’s grace at work among them. 1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!… will carry it on to completion God does not abandon those He saves. He continues to sanctify His people, shaping them in holiness and preserving them according to His purpose. Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author… until the day of Christ Jesus. God’s work will reach its full completion when Christ returns. That coming day will bring the fulfillment of salvation and the final vindication of all who belong to Him. 1Co 1:8 He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be… It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, Paul’s confidence and affection were grounded in the Philippians’ faithful participation in the work of the gospel. Their steady support showed that God was at work among them. 1Th 2:8 We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share… since I have you in my heart. Though separated by distance and imprisonment, Paul regarded the believers in Philippi with sincere love. Their relationship was marked by shared faith, gratitude, and concern for one another. 2Co 7:3 I do not say this to condemn you. I have said before that you so occupy… For in my chains Paul wrote while imprisoned for proclaiming Christ. His confinement had not ended his ministry, but had given further occasion for the gospel to be proclaimed and defended. Eph 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains.… and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, Paul’s circumstances included answering charges before Roman authorities and bearing witness to the truth of Christ. His ministry also strengthened believers by establishing them in the gospel he preached. 2Ti 4:16-17 At my first defense, no one stood with me,… you are all partners in grace with me. The Philippians shared in God’s grace through their faith, prayers, generosity, and identification with Paul during his suffering. Their support made them fellow workers in the advance of the gospel. Php 4:15-16 And as you Philippians know, in the early days… God is my witness Paul solemnly calls upon God to confirm the truth of his words. Though separated from the Philippians by imprisonment, he speaks openly before the God who knows his heart. Rom 1:9 God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel… how I long for all of you His concern embraces the whole congregation. Their shared partnership in the gospel had formed a lasting bond despite distance and hardship. 1Th 3:6 But just now, Timothy has returned from his visit… with the affection of Christ Jesus. Paul’s love for them reflects the love of Christ at work in him—faithful, sacrificial, and directed toward their spiritual good. 2Co 5:14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced… And this is my prayer: From prison, Paul turns his concern toward the spiritual health of the Philippian church. His prayer reflects his close partnership with these believers and his confidence that God continues to work in them despite his own hardship. Eph 1:16-17 I have not stopped giving thanks for you,… that your love may abound more and more Paul desires their love for God and one another to keep increasing. Such love is active, self-giving, and shaped by the example of Christ, strengthening unity within the church. 1Th 3:12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow… in knowledge and depth of insight, Love must be guided by a growing understanding of God’s truth and the ability to recognize what is right in daily circumstances. Paul seeks believers whose affection is joined to mature judgment, enabling them to live faithfully and make decisions that honor the Lord. Col 1:9-10 we have not stopped praying for you and asking God… so that you may be able to test and prove what is best Paul prays that the Philippian believers will grow in spiritual discernment, recognizing what accords with God’s will and choosing what is morally excellent amid the pressures of their Roman setting. Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed… and may be pure and blameless Their lives were to be marked by sincere devotion to Christ and conduct that gave no rightful cause for accusation or stumbling. Such character reflects the work of God in those He has redeemed. Eph 1:4 For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world… for the day of Christ, Christ will return in glory, bringing history to its appointed conclusion and examining the lives of His people. That certain future gives urgency to faithful living in the present. 1Co 1:8 He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be… filled with the fruit of righteousness Believers are to display the moral and spiritual results of lives made right before God. Such fruit includes conduct, character, and attitudes that conform to His will, flowing from inward renewal rather than outward religious effort. Heb 12:11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful.… that comes through Jesus Christ, Righteousness is made possible through Christ’s saving work and His ongoing power in those who belong to Him. He is the source of both their standing before God and the changed life that follows. Jhn 15:5 I am the vine and you are the branches… to the glory and praise of God. The purpose of this fruitful life is God’s honor. As believers reflect His righteousness, their lives provide visible testimony to His grace and lead others to recognize His worth. Eph 1:12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ,…
Paul’s Trials Advance the GospelPaul addresses the Philippian believers with the warmth of spiritual family. Though separated from them, he writes as one deeply connected to a church he helped establish in Macedonia. 1Th 4:13 Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed… that my circumstances Paul is imprisoned in Rome, living under guard and restricted in his movements. His confinement has not ended his ministry, since soldiers, visitors, and fellow believers have access to him. 2Ti 2:9 for which I suffer to the extent of being chained… have actually served What appeared to hinder Paul’s work has instead become the means by which God has opened new opportunities. Paul views his suffering and limitations in light of God’s sovereign purpose. 2Co 1:6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation;… to advance the gospel. The message of Christ has reached people who might not otherwise have heard it, including members of the Roman guard. Paul’s imprisonment has also encouraged other believers to speak more boldly about Christ. Act 28:31 Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God… As a result, Paul’s imprisonment had produced an outcome opposite of what his opponents may have expected: the gospel continued to advance rather than being silenced. Act 28:31 Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God… it has become clear His guards, visitors, and others in Rome understood that his confinement resulted from his service to Christ. Act 28:23-24 So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came… throughout the whole palace guard The imperial guard assigned to watch Paul heard the reason for his chains, bringing the message of Christ into circles connected with the emperor’s household. Act 28:16 When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay… and to everyone else Knowledge of Paul’s witness spread beyond the soldiers to others who encountered him or heard of his case. Rom 16:19 Everyone has heard about your obedience… that I am in chains for Christ. Paul was not imprisoned for wrongdoing but because he proclaimed Christ with steadfastness. Eph 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus… And most of the brothers, Fellow believers in Rome had watched Paul endure imprisonment for Christ. His suffering became a visible testimony to the reality and worth of the Gospel. 1Th 1:6-8 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord… confident in the Lord by my chains, Rather than weakening the church, Paul’s imprisonment strengthened their trust in the Lord’s sovereign purpose and care. Eph 6:19-20 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth,… now dare more greatly Encouraged by Paul’s steadfast example, many believers became bolder in public witness despite the danger of opposition. Act 4:29-31 And now, Lord, consider their threats,… to speak the word They proclaimed the message of Christ—His death, resurrection, and salvation for those who believe. Col 4:3-4 as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door… without fear. Their courage rested not in safety or human strength, but in confidence that Christ remained Lord even over imprisonment, suffering, and death. Pro 28:1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous… It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, Paul knew that his imprisonment had prompted some ministers to seek prominence for themselves. Rather than serving Christ faithfully, they treated the spread of the gospel as an opportunity to compete with Paul and increase their own influence. Act 13:45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled… but others out of goodwill. Other believers proclaimed Christ from sincere love for the Lord, for Paul, and for those who needed the gospel. Their ministry was marked by a genuine desire to see Christ honored and people brought to faith. Eph 6:7-8 Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,… The latter do so in love, They proclaim Christ with sincere devotion to the Lord and genuine concern for Paul. Unlike those driven by rivalry, they rejoice that the gospel is advancing even through Paul’s imprisonment. Eph 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will… knowing that I am appointed They understand that Paul’s chains are part of God’s purpose for his ministry. His calling as an apostle includes suffering, public witness, and faithful service wherever God places him. 2Ti 1:11 to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle,… for the defense of the gospel. Paul’s confinement gives him opportunity to uphold the truth of Christ before soldiers, officials, and others who hear his case. His task is to stand firmly for the gospel entrusted to him, not to retreat because of opposition. Act 22:1 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, Some proclaim Christ from rivalry and a desire to advance themselves rather than from love for Paul or sincere concern for the gospel. Their message may be true, but their hearts are marked by competition and personal ambition. 3Jn 1:9-10 I have written to the church about this… not sincerely, Their outward ministry does not reflect genuine devotion to Christ. They use preaching as a means of elevating themselves and opposing Paul, creating strain among believers rather than serving in humility. 2Co 1:12 For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies… supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains. Paul is imprisoned for the gospel, probably in Rome, and these opponents expect their activity to deepen his hardship by undermining his ministry and increasing his emotional burden. Yet their efforts cannot hinder God’s purpose, since Christ is still being proclaimed. 2Ti 1:16-18 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus,… What then is the issue? Paul turns from the conflicting motives of his fellow preachers to the outcome of their work. Though some sought to trouble him during his imprisonment, their actions did not prevent the gospel from advancing. Rom 6:15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law,… Just this: that in every way, The circumstances and intentions of the preachers differed, but the public proclamation of Jesus Christ continued throughout Rome and beyond. 1Co 9:22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.… whether by false motives or true, Some preached from envy, rivalry, and personal ambition, while others served from sincere love for Christ and concern for Paul. Their motives were not equal, yet both groups proclaimed the same Christ. 1Th 2:3-5 For our appeal does not arise from deceit… Christ is preached. Paul’s chief concern was that Jesus Christ was being openly proclaimed. God’s truth was not weakened by the selfish aims of those who announced it. Act 5:42 Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house… And in this I rejoice. Paul refused to measure his circumstances by personal comfort or reputation. The spread of the gospel gave him cause for joy even while he remained in chains. Act 13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced… Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, He expected to keep rejoicing because Christ’s message would continue to advance, whatever opposition or hardship he faced. 2Co 6:10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich… because I know Paul is confident that God will use his imprisonment and suffering for good. His assurance rests on God’s faithfulness and control over the outcome. Psa 56:9 Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help.… that through your prayers He depends on the Philippian believers’ intercession, recognizing that the church shares in the burdens and ministry of its members. Phm 1:22 In the meantime, prepare a guest room for me,… and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit supplies the strength, wisdom, and endurance Paul needs as he faces an uncertain trial. Act 16:7 And when they came to the border of Mysia,… my distress Paul writes while imprisoned in Rome, confined yet still able to receive visitors and continue his ministry. Psa 120:1 A song of ascents. In my distress I cried to the LORD,… will turn out for my deliverance. He expects God to preserve and vindicate him, whether through release from prison or through faithful endurance that leads to final salvation. Job 13:16 Moreover, this will be my salvation, for no godless man… I eagerly expect and hope Paul looks ahead with settled confidence that God will accomplish His purpose through his imprisonment and trial. His hope rests on God’s faithfulness rather than on a favorable outcome. Rom 8:19 The creation waits in eager expectation… that I will in no way be ashamed, He does not want fear, compromise, or failure under pressure to dishonor Christ or weaken his witness before Roman authorities and the believers watching his example. 2Ti 1:12 For I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced… but will have complete boldness Paul expects God to give him courage to speak and act faithfully, whether he is released, condemned, or required to defend the gospel before powerful men. 2Co 3:12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. so that now as always His present imprisonment has not altered the pattern of his ministry. In every circumstance, Paul’s aim remains the same. 1Th 5:16-18 Rejoice at all times.… Christ will be exalted in my body, His physical life, including his suffering, speech, service, and possible execution, belongs to Christ and is meant to display Christ’s greatness. 2Co 4:10-11 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus,… whether by life or by death. Paul is prepared for either outcome. Continued life would mean further service to Christ, while death would bring him into Christ’s presence. Rom 14:8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die…
To Live Is ChristPaul speaks from settled personal conviction, shaped by his calling, imprisonment, suffering, and service as an apostle of Jesus Christ. 2Co 5:15 And He died for all, that those who live… to live is Christ, Christ governed Paul’s purpose, conduct, and ministry. His life belonged to the risen Lord, and his work centered on making Christ known among the churches and the nations. Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live,… and to die is gain. Death would bring Paul into Christ’s immediate presence. Though he expected continued service if spared, he regarded death as gain because it meant the end of earthly suffering and full fellowship with the Lord. 2Co 5:8 We are confident, then, and would prefer to be… But if I go on living in the body, Paul recognizes that continued life would keep him engaged in earthly service for Christ. Though he longs to be with the Lord, his life remains useful for the churches and the advance of the gospel. 2Co 5:6-8 Therefore we are always confident, although we know… this will mean fruitful labor for me. His continued ministry would produce lasting results through the strengthening of believers, the spread of the gospel, and the establishment of churches. Col 1:10 so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord… So what shall I choose? Paul feels the tension between the desire to depart and be with Christ and the need to remain for the benefit of fellow Christians. Deu 30:19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today… I do not know. The outcome rests with God, whose purpose—not Paul’s personal preference—will determine whether he continues his work or enters Christ’s presence. Act 20:22-24 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem… I am torn between the two. Paul felt the pull between remaining alive to continue his work among the Philippian believers and leaving this life to enter Christ’s presence. His ministry was fruitful and necessary for the churches, yet his hope was fixed on the life to come. 2Co 5:6-7 Therefore we are always confident, although we know… I desire to depart and be with Christ, Death held no terror for Paul because Christ had conquered it. He understood death for the believer as leaving the body and entering personal fellowship with the risen Lord. 2Co 5:8 We are confident, then, and would prefer to be… which is far better indeed. Being with Christ would surpass every blessing and hardship of earthly life. Paul’s confidence rested in the certainty that eternal life with Christ is complete, secure, and free from the limitations of the present world. Php 3:8 More than that, I count all things as loss… But it is more necessary for you Paul places the spiritual welfare of the Philippian believers above his own desire to depart and be with Christ. Their continued growth, encouragement, and stability required faithful apostolic leadership during the church’s early years. 2Co 12:19 Have you been thinking all along that we were… that I remain in the body. His earthly life still had a God-given purpose. By remaining alive, Paul could continue strengthening the Philippians through teaching, correction, prayer, and personal care, serving Christ among them until his work was complete. 2Pe 1:13-15 I think it is right to refresh your memory… Convinced of this, Paul’s confidence rested in God’s sovereign purpose rather than in a personal preference for life or freedom. Though imprisoned in Rome, he trusted that the Lord would direct the outcome of his trial and continue to use him for the good of the churches. Rom 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, … I know that I will remain Paul expected that he would be released and permitted to continue his ministry. His assurance reflected a settled conviction that his work among the believers was not yet complete. 1Co 16:8-9 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,… and will continue with all of you Paul viewed himself as closely joined to the Philippian church. He intended to return to them, strengthening the whole congregation through teaching, encouragement, and personal fellowship. 1Th 2:8 We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share… for your progress and joy in the faith, His continued ministry would help them grow in steadfast faith and experience the joy that comes from belonging to Christ, even amid opposition and hardship. Act 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples… so that through my coming to you again Paul expected that he might be released and return to Philippi, the Roman colony where he had first preached the gospel in Macedonia. A renewed visit would allow him to strengthen the church personally after his imprisonment. 2Co 1:15-16 Confident of this, I planned to visit you first,… your exultation in Christ Jesus The Philippians’ joy would rest in Christ and in His continued work among them. Paul’s return would confirm God’s faithfulness and encourage their confidence in the gospel. Php 3:3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship… will resound on account of me. His presence would give the congregation fresh reason to rejoice in what Christ had accomplished through Paul’s ministry. Their shared faith and fellowship showed how closely the well-being of an apostle and a local church were joined. 2Co 5:12 We are not commending ourselves to you again.…
Worthy of the GospelAs citizens of a Roman colony, the Philippians understood the duty to live according to the standards of their citizenship. Paul directs that understanding toward their greater citizenship in Christ’s kingdom. Their conduct was to reflect the salvation they had received through Christ in love, humility, holiness, and obedience. Eph 4:1 As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk… Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, Paul wanted their faithfulness to rest on devotion to Christ rather than his personal presence. Though imprisoned and uncertain when he could return, he expected the church to remain spiritually mature and obedient. 1Th 3:6-8 But just now, Timothy has returned from his visit… I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, The believers were to remain united and unwavering under pressure. Philippi faced a pagan culture and growing opposition to the Christian message, making steadfast unity essential to the church’s witness. Eph 4:3-4 and with diligence to preserve the unity… contending together as one for the faith of the gospel, Like teammates striving toward a common goal, the church was to labor side by side for the truth of the gospel. They were to defend and advance the message of salvation through Jesus Christ with shared purpose and perseverance. Jud 1:3 Beloved, although I made every effort to write to you… without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. Philippi’s strong loyalty to Rome made Christian allegiance to Christ appear disloyal and disruptive. Believers faced pressure from both Jewish and Gentile opponents, yet Paul calls them to remain steady rather than retreat in fear. 1Pe 3:14-15 But even if you should suffer for what is right,… This is a clear sign of their destruction The hostility of those who resist Christ reveals their opposition to God and points toward coming judgment. Their apparent power does not alter their final accountability before Him. 2Th 1:5-6 All this is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment.… but of your salvation, The Philippians’ endurance under pressure showed the reality of God’s saving work in them. Their perseverance did not earn salvation, but testified to the hope and deliverance already secured in Christ and awaiting its completion. 1Pe 1:5-9 who through faith are shielded by God’s power… and it is from God. God governs both the salvation of His people and the judgment of those who oppose the gospel. Their suffering was not outside His purpose, and their future was secure in His hands. Psa 62:1-2 For the choirmaster. According to Jeduthun.… For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ God graciously grants His people the gift and privilege of belonging to Christ and serving His cause. Their relationship with Him includes both the blessings of salvation and identification with His mission in a hostile world. Act 11:18 When they heard this, they had no further objections,… not only to believe in Him, Faith in Christ is God’s gift, calling believers to trust Jesus as Lord rather than the gods and rulers honored by Roman society. In Philippi, a Roman colony marked by loyalty to Caesar, such allegiance distinguished Christians as citizens of Christ’s kingdom. Jhn 6:29 Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe… but also to suffer for Him, The Philippian believers faced opposition because of their faith, as Paul did while imprisoned for the gospel. Their suffering did not mean God had abandoned them; it showed their union with Christ and advanced the testimony of the gospel. Act 5:41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing… since you are encountering the same struggle The Philippian believers faced opposition for their faith in a pagan Roman colony, including pressure from local society and hostility toward the gospel. Their hardships were part of the cost of openly following Christ in a culture devoted to Roman power and traditional religious practices. 1Th 2:14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God… you saw I had, They had witnessed Paul’s suffering when he and Silas were beaten and imprisoned in Philippi after delivering a slave girl from a spirit of divination. Their unjust treatment revealed the conflict that often followed the advance of the gospel. Act 16:22-24 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas… and now hear that I still have. Paul remained under guard in Rome because of his ministry, and the churches knew that his imprisonment continued. His circumstances showed that faithful service to Christ could involve prolonged suffering, yet the gospel continued to spread through it. 2Ti 2:9 for which I suffer to the extent of being chained… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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