Mediterranean World
The Roman world of the Gospels and Acts, from Judea and Syria to Macedonia, Achaia, and Rome.
What the sources say, and how sure we are
- The text says
Acts follows the gospel from Jerusalem through Syria, Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Achaia to Rome. Macedonia (northern Greece) includes Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, and Achaia (southern Greece) includes Athens and Corinth.Acts 16–18; Acts 19:21
- Outside evidence
Roman roads and sea lanes linked the region. The Via Egnatia crossed Macedonia from east to west, and Paul’s route in Acts 17:1 follows it. Inscriptions at Delphi, Thessalonica, and Corinth confirm details of Acts.Gallio Inscription; Politarch Inscription; Erastus Inscription
- Debated
Scholars sometimes differ on the details of Paul’s routes, including how he travelled between cities and where he landed after sea voyages.Acts 17:14–15