Metaphysical meaning of Philippi (mbd)
Philippi, phi-lip-pi (Gk.)--city of Philip, i. e., Philip I of Macedon; city of the lover of horses.
A city of Macedonia (Acts 16:12).
Meta. Philip symbolizes power. Philippi (city of Philip, city of the lover of horses) signifies a thought center of power and vigor in consciousness.
Philippi was a city in Macedonia where the proconsul or governor of Macedonia lived. It is therefore the center of the executive faculty of that in us signified by Macedonia: burning adoration. It is necessary to stir up this fiery power in the man when he gets into negative states of consciousness. The vision of the man imploring, "Come over into Macedonia, and help us," is the discernment of this inner fervor, which needs stirring up. A certain fiery fervor is necessary in order to establish faith and persistency in barren, weak states of consciousness, such as those suggested by Phrygia, Galatia, and Asia. (See Acts 16:6-10.)
Another metaphysical interpretation of Philippi and Macedonia is given as follows: Philippi was the chief city in Macedonia. Macedonia represents the business mind and Philippi means getting gain, which is the chief motive of business. It is very natural that in this place (state of consciousness) there is "no man likeminded, who will care truly for your state. For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 2:20-21). And so Timothy was sent to the assembly of believers at Philippi. The thoughts wherein love of gain is uppermost need Timothy (inspired reason united with faith) to instruct them concerning spiritual substance and life (the true riches) and their use.
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Preceding Entry: Philip
Following Entry: Philippians
