Philippians 1:1, Acts 16

The church in Philippi, planted by Paul and Silas in Acts 16, began with a small gathering of believers, including Lydia and her household, down by the river. Over the next decade, this fledgling group grew into a thriving community of faith. Philippians 1:1-11 reflects Paul’s deep affection for this church, which had matured into a faithful, generous, and mission-minded body. Their growth was not merely numerical but spiritual, as they partnered with Paul in the gospel. God’s sovereign hand guided this expansion—opening Lydia’s heart (Acts 16:14), shaking the prison to save the jailer (Acts 16:26-34), and using persecution to spread the gospel. This progression highlights how God orchestrates both obstacles and opportunities to accomplish His will in His Church.