Volume IV
The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians.
With John Brown’s marginal references, notes and reflections · Vol. IV, p. 412
Philippi was a considerable city on the eastern frontier of Macedonia, now part of European Turkey, which Philip, the father of Alexander the Great, enlarged, fortified, and called by his own name. Directed by a vision, Paul came hither from Asia, and planted a Christian church, Ac. xvi.; and afterwards visited them in his way to Jerusalem, Ac. 20. 1-6. Their concern for him was peculiarly affectionate; and, notwithstanding their poverty, they distinguished themselves in sending him seasonable and liberal supplies. Epaphroditus having brought him their bounty, during his imprisonment at Rome, he sent by him, upon his return, this excellent letter,—in which he expresses his great affection for them, and thankfulness for their favours; and exhorts them to constancy, courage, and perseverance under sufferings, and to public-spiritedness, humility, holy joy, fervent prayer, and diligent progress in universal holiness.
[The first name of Philippi was Datos, and it is peculiarly remarkable as the first place in Europe in which the gospel was preached. The references to the Old Testament are, Ps. 22. 6; 55. 22; Is. 40. 23; 56. 10; Je. 9. 23, 24; Da. 9. 26. C.]