Bible Strands
Acts 16:12
From there we went to the Roman colony of Philippi, the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator, traveling with Paul, records the group’s arrival at Philippi immediately after disembarking at Neapolis. This logistical note occurs during Paul’s second missionary journey as the party transitions from coastal sailing to inland movement.
The words — The term κἀκεῖθεν (kakeithen) literally means "and from there," marking the precise departure point, while πρῶτος (prōtos) denotes "first" or "leading," describing the city’s administrative rank. These words ground the narrative in a specific geographic and political reality.
The thread — Philippi appears as the site of prior suffering in 1 Thessalonians 2:2, the mailing address in Philippians 1:1, and the departure port in Acts 20:6. These references map the city as a recurring waypoint in the early church’s documented movements.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that the gospel’s advance relied on deliberate travel through established Roman infrastructure. It asks the reader to account for the historical and political context before drawing theological conclusions.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- 1 Thessalonians 2:2 As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.
- Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
- Acts 20:6 And after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we sailed from Philippi, and five days later we rejoined them in Troas, where we stayed seven days.
- Acts 16:9 During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
- Acts 16:21 by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.”