Paul and his ministry team strongly determined to enter into Asia; but, the Holy Spirit would not allow them to do so. In the night season, Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading with him, saying: “Come over into Macedonia and help us”. Paul made the necessary adjustments in accordance with this vision. Immediately at dawn, Paul and his ministry team set out to enter Macedonia from Troas to Samothracia to Neapolis then to Philippi, which was the most important city of Macedonia. They were there in Philippi for several days scouting out the spiritual activity in the area. On the next Sabbath, they went out of the city by a river where there was a customary prayer meeting. They sat down with the women and began to share the Gospel concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. A certain woman named Lydia latched onto the words spoken by Paul. She was soon water baptized in Christ then she strongly persuaded them to stay with her in her residence. Because of this, Paul were able to stay several days in Philippi resulting in bearing more fruit in the harvesting of souls. A young girl followed them declaring that they were servants of the Most High God. After a few days, Paul cast a demon out of the young girl, which disturbed those who made profit from her sayings. Therefore, they dragged Paul and Silas to the area magistrates, saying: “These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city - teaching us to observe values not even acceptable to Romans” Because of the multitude uprising, the magistrates commanded them to be flogged with many stripes and then commanded them to be placed in prison. With feet firmly placed fixed in stocks and backsides shivering with exposure to the cold elements, Paul and Silas began to pray and sing praises to God. When they did so, there was a great earthquake so that the foundations of the prison was shaken. Immediately, all the doors were opened and everyone’s bands were loosed. This caused the jailer and his whole household to be saved. When the magistrates heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens; then, they were afraid because of what they had afflicted upon Paul and Silas. They intreated these two missionaries to leave the area. Paul and Silas did that after going back to Lydia’s house in order to comfort them in the faith. According to 2nd Corinthians 8:1-3; the Macedonia church gave sacrificially to Paul’s ministry and was well favored by him. To the Philippians of Macedonia, this promise was specially made: “But my God shall supply all your need according to HIS riches in glory by Christ Jesus”.
