Paul in Philippi
Come over and help us,the man in the vision said,
So they left Troas and sailed to Macedonia not knowing why,
Paul and Silas having believd the vision to be Spirit led.
Having landed they travelled to a cosmopolitan city of both Jew and Gentile called Philippi.
On the Sabbath they made contact with a group who prayed by the river
Amongst them was a prominent Greek business woman called Lydia,
On listening to the message of the gospel her heart was opened by the Lord as they spoke to her
After declaring her faith in baptism, she offered hospitality to them and whilst there they resided with her.
During their stay they regularly preached the Word by the river and prayed.
For several days a slave girl who made money for her owners by telling fortunes pestered them.
Eventually Paul released her from the evil spirit that possessed her and her powers were stayed.
Seeing their income curtailed the owners stirred up resentment against Paul and Silas and a mob seized them
Dragged before the magistrates Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison untried
Incarcerated and shackled, their trust in the lord never wavered and at midnight they were praying and singing Gods praise!
As they sang the prisoners listened until a violent earthquake caused shackles to fall and doors to open wide.
Fearing his charges had escaped the jailer came trembling ready to kill himself in disgrace.
Paul’s cry that all had remained and were safe provoked the utterance what must I do to be saved?
Having been told to believe in Jesus and then being instructed in what this involved he became a believer in the Lord
Taking them into his home he tended their wounds and fed and watered them,.
Having done so he and members of his family were filled with joy having been baptised after confessing their faith in the Lord
The next day orders came for their release but Paul having indicated that he was a Roman citizen refused to leave
Fearing the wrath of the Romans, the magistrates themselves came to apologise in person and escorted them from the prison.
Returning to Lydia’s home, Paul and Silas encouraged the new believers before taking their leave
The young church established in Philippi grew and prospered and in writing to them later Paul speaks fondly of all they have done.
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