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Philippi

A Roman colony in Macedonia and the first European city where Paul preached.

Illustrated view of ancient Philippi in Macedonia on the Via Egnatia, with scenes of Lydia by the Gangites River and Paul and Silas in prison, and a map linking Philippi to Neapolis, Amphipolis, and Thessalonica.
Illustrated reconstruction, not a photograph. Select the image to view it full size.

What the sources say, and how sure we are

  • The text says

    After the vision at Troas, Paul comes to Philippi, meets Lydia by the river, and is imprisoned and freed. The church there later supports him and receives a letter from him.Acts 16:9–40; Phil 1:3–5; Phil 4:15–18

  • Outside evidence

    Philippi lay on the Via Egnatia and became a Roman colony after Octavian and Antony defeated Brutus and Cassius there in 42 BC, as Acts 16:12 implies. Excavations uncovered the forum and other buildings.Via Egnatia; Acts 16:12

  • Debated

    A site shown as Paul’s prison in Philippi is a Roman structure of uncertain use. The identification with the prison in Acts is traditional and unconfirmed.Acts 16:23–24

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