Acts 16:12
And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μερίδος
of that part
G3310
μερίδος
of that part
Strong's:
G3310
Word #:
9 of 22
a portion, i.e., province, share or (abstractly) participation
τὴς
G3588
τὴς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
17 of 22
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:2But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.Acts 20:6And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.Philippians 1:1Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Historical Context
Philippi lay on the Via Egnatia, Rome's military highway connecting the Adriatic to Byzantium, making it strategically vital. Founded as a Roman colony in 42 BC after Mark Antony and Octavian's victory over Brutus and Cassius, it was settled by military veterans. Paul arrived circa AD 49-50 during his second missionary journey, making this Christianity's first European foothold.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Philippi's status as a Roman colony with heavenly citizenship parallels inform Paul's later teaching to the Philippian church about being 'citizens of heaven' (Phil 3:20)?
- What does the 'we' passage reveal about Luke's role as both historian and participant in the gospel's advancement into Europe?
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Analysis & Commentary
And from thence to Philippi—Luke's use of 'we' signals his presence on this second missionary journey, making this eyewitness testimony. Philippi was named after Philip II of Macedon (Alexander the Great's father). Luke emphasizes it is the chief city of that part of Macedonia (πρώτη τῆς μερίδος Μακεδονίας πόλις)—'first city of the district,' indicating regional prominence though not the provincial capital (Thessalonica held that honor).
Critically, Philippi was a colony (κολωνία)—a Roman colonia established by Augustus after the Battle of Philippi (42 BC). Coloniae enjoyed ius Italicum (Italian rights): exemption from tribute, Roman citizenship for inhabitants, and governance under Roman law. This context illuminates Paul's later claim to Roman citizenship (16:37) and the church's call to citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20). The city's Roman character explains why Paul found no synagogue (16:13)—the Jewish population was minimal.