27th May 2025
Tour of Philippi
Acts 16: 25 – 26 (KJV)
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
We travelled the two hour journey to Phillipi by coach on a glorious bright sunny day.
Soothing inspirational music and gospel songs flooded the coach which felt like a haven of peace. There was a quiet, stillness and a sense of calm as we journeyed, each person taking the opportunity to rest.
On our previous mission trips, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the team followed in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, travelling to the countries that he visited as he spread the good news of the Gospel.
It was therefore a tremendous opportunity for us to visit the archealogical site at Philippi where the Apostle Paul and Silas were imprisoned. We were able to view the spot where by divine intervention through an earthquake they were miraculously set free. Additionally to view the place where the first church was founded in the house of Lydia.
Our guide for the tour was knowledgeable not only in terms of historical information but also in relating the authenticity of the Bible to archelogical evidence and events. She showed us that these events were corroborated geologically.
The role of Lydia, a rich business woman, who alongside the apostle Paul was a co-founder of the church at Philippi was explained in its historical and social conĚtext. As a leader of the early church in Philippi Lydia was also involved in baptising people.
It was wonderful to have both our Pastors with us on this trip.
Pastor Dennis gave us a deeper biblical insight as we viewed the place where Paul and Silas were in prison. He expressed that as Paul and Silas were singing in prison all the other prisoners heard them and what they heard created faith within them and they were also set free”.
Pastor Dennis went on to say,
“We thank God for the great move of the Holy Spirit that is taking place around the nations of the world, as the praises go up God is inhabiting the praises of His people. The jailer went from suicide to salvation not just for him as an individual but for his whole family.”
“The prisoners who were in an inner prison chained securely ended up sitting at the table of the jailer who had received the Gospel.”
Pastor Dennis concluded by saying,
“There is power in the Gospel! God is at work right where you are. He is the same yesterday, today and forever! His son Yeshua has made provision because He is the Way, the Truth and the Life!
If you invite Him into your heart you can experience the freedom the jailer did 2000 years ago.
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