Philippi
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At the riverside outside Philippi, the Lord opens Lydia's heart, the first recorded conversion in Europe.
Philippi was a Roman colony on the Via Egnatia, settled by veterans. Paul, answering the Macedonian call, found no synagogue but a prayer meeting by the river, and the church born there became his most affectionate partner.
The Roman colony of Macedonia where the gospel first took root in Europe: Lydia, the jailer, and the letter of joy.
- Philippi, a leading city of the district of Macedonia
- Ruins near Kavala · Greece
The Via Egnatia, Rome's great road to the east, ran through Philippi's forum. The gospel arrived in Europe on a Roman road and immediately used it.
- Acts 16:11-15 At the riverside outside Philippi, the Lord opens Lydia's heart, the first recorded conversion in Europe.
- Acts 16:16-40 Paul and Silas imprisoned, the earthquake, and the jailer's conversion
- Philippians 1:1-2 The letter to the saints at Philippi
- Philippians 4:15-16 The church that partnered with Paul from the first day
What we know
Certain
- Philippi's forum, theatre and the Via Egnatia are excavated at the site.