Philippians Lecture 1 - The Spread of the Church

St. Paul has an effusive relationship with the Church of Philippi. Philippi was the beachhead of Christian evangelization in Europe. The stoning of Steven led to the scattering of the Church in Jerusalem and Judea. As a result, the faith spreads out to Gentile populations. Initially Gentile conversions were not a focus, but a side effect of evangelization in Judea. However, Barnabus and Saul are chosen by the Holy Spirit to seek out Gentiles specifically to bring into Church and teach them the Law of the Lord.