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The Scriptorium

Philippi: Worldviews in Conflict

New world, same old struggles.

Introduction to 1 and 2 Thessalonians (2)

Pray Psalm 2.1-3.

Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
“Let us break Their bonds in pieces

And cast away Their cords from us.”

Read Acts 16.16-23.

Reflect.
1. What were the primary concerns of those who had Paul and Silas beaten and imprisoned?

2. Why do you suppose Paul was “greatly annoyed” at the little girl? Wasn’t she, in a certain way, helping his cause?

Meditate.
Prior to this point in his ministry, Paul had experienced a good bit of opposition. Most of that came from Jewish religious leaders who did not agree with his teaching and resented the fact that many of their people were becoming Christians. In Macedonia, Paul would encounter opposition of another kind – a worldview of pragmatic, materialistic, self-interest. It would prove just as hostile to the Gospel as Jewish traditionalism.

We might think that Paul would have appreciated the help of this little girl, since she was announcing to the entire city who Paul was and what he proclaimed. Paul’s annoyance was not so much with the little girl as with the “spirit of divination” which possessed her. Everyone knew this girl was a money-making venture for her handlers, and that she would say just about anything to earn them their “profit.” She was a person who entertained, not someone to be taken seriously. Paul refused to allow the Gospel to be admixed with demonic utterances or materialistic self-interest, so he cast the demon out and set the little girl free of her spiritual torment.

Paul’s mission was thus seen as troubling the city of Philippi “exceedingly,” since he presented a challenge to the settled worldview of the powers-that-be. The rage of these frustrated entrepreneurs and their magistrate lackeys broke out on Paul and Silas in physical abuse and imprisonment. The Gospel is a challenge to unbelieving worldviews, and sometimes the only way opponents can effectively silence those who bear witness to Jesus is through violence and oppression.

But violence, oppression, and imprisonment are no match for the souls of faithful men and the sovereign God they serve. Paul and Silas kept their focus on God during their suffering, and God delivered them and saved some grateful Philippians as well. 

The Kingdom beachhead firmly secured in Philippi, Paul and his troop move on to other cities.

Prepare.
1. How would you summarize the worldview held by the people in your Personal Mission Field? Is this worldview likely to be hostile to God and the Gospel? Why or why not?

2. Paul would not allow the Gospel to be reduced to mere entertainment, or to be regarded as some spiritual circus or money-making venture. Is there any counsel here for churches today?

3. Paul and Silas drew strength from the Lord by singing (v. 25), perhaps even singing a psalm (the Greek text says they were προσευχόμενοι ὕμνουν τὸν θεόν, praying a hymn to God). Does this suggest anything to you about singing to the Lord as a spiritual discipline?

The devotion of the apostles’ hearts and the power of prayer are expressed [here] together, since in the depths of the prison they sang hymns, and their praise moved the earth of the prison, shook the foundation, opened the doors and finally loosened the very chains of those who had been bound. The Venerable Bede (672-735 AD), Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles 16.25

Lord, I need Your strength to serve You throughout this day. Help me so that I…

Pray Psalm 2.7-12.

Pray for the people you will encounter today, that the Lord might allow you to share Jesus’ love with someone in your Personal Mission Field.

Sing to the Lord.
Psalm 2.7-12 (Agincourt: O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High!)
Proclaim the message far and wide, that God has exalted the Crucified!
From heav’n He sent us His only Son, Who has for us salvation won!

To Christ the Lord be given all who humbly embrace Him and on Him call.
Be wise, be warned: His judgment comes to break the prideful, sinful ones.

Rejoice with fear in Jesus’ grace, and worship before His exalted face!
Beware His anger and judgment grim: How blessed are all who rest in Him!

Pray Psalm 2.11.
Serve the LORD with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.

T. M. Moore

Where do 1 and 2 Thessalonians fit in the unfolding of God’s covenant? Order our workbook, God’s Covenant, and find out how all Scripture fits within this redemptive framework (click here).

Forward today’s study to some friends, and challenge them to study with you through this series on 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Each week’s lessons will be available as a free PDF download at the end of the week. Get a copy for yourself and send the link to the download to your friends. Plan to meet weekly to study Paul’s ministry and prepare for your own.


If you value Scriptorium as a free resource for your walk with the Lord, please consider supporting our work with your gifts and offerings. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button  at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
Books by T. M. Moore

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