For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
4:16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.
Twice while he was in Thessalonica?
Let’s think about this statement.
The church didn’t have UPS in the day, nor the technological wizardry of sending funds instantly through a phone app. To get funds to Paul would require travelling through Neapolis, Amphipolis, and Apollonia. (See graphic below).
The distance from Philippi to Thessalonica was about 100 miles! The average walking velocity is about 3 mph. This trip, if walked would take over 30 hours, if there was no rest stop for the evening.
Let’s say two days to travel!
Ok – Lets consider the time Paul was in Thessalonica. Can anyone remember? Acts 17:2 speaks of three sabbath days of teaching before the Jews starting causing some trouble. Once the uproar started, it seems that Paul was sent away immediately (Acts 17:10)
Given the earlier info, we can suggest Paul may have been in Thessalonica for four weeks, roughly a month. In that time, the Philippians sent his gifts TWICE.
This screams of a church that could not stop reaching out to Paul, that they were anxious to help, looking for ways to help their apostle.
Can you imagine being part of a body that is so connected with a missionary that the gifts are sent out almost machinegun like!
Paul definitely found fertile soil in the city of Philippi for the gospel to root in!
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4 responses to “Philippian Bits – 4:16”
I love the depth of your analysis on Philippians 4:16! Breaking down the logistics of sending help in Paul’s time really brings the verse to life. It’s amazing to think about the effort involved in sending aid across such a distance, especially without the modern conveniences we take for granted.
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You are so kind in your comments. I appreciate your thoughts. May the Lord bless you.
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God Bless You today and always.
Be Blessed and Continue to be a Blessing.
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Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Acts 28:28-30
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