Paul's Prison at Philippi
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Phiippi
Philippi was a Roman colony located approximately 10 miles northwest of the seaport of Neopolis. The cities’ population during Paul’s time was about 40,000. Paul would have walked on the Via Egnatia (or Egnatia Way) to Philippi.
The emperor organized areas into colonies. Certain places were selected for Roman citizens (especially retired military people) to live in. This gave them a strong pro-Roman influence in these strategic areas. Philippi had been a Roman colony since 42 BC. The citizens of Philippi were expected to be loyal to Rome even though they were living on foreign soil. They were to obey the laws of Rome and expected to give honor to the Roman emperor. In return for their loyalty they were exempt from taxes and given certain political privileges.
The Forum or marketplace, was an essential part of a Greek city-state. It was a large, open, rectangular space in the central part of a city which acted as a common place of assembly of the people.
The Impossible?
I recorded this yesterday. I finally do have Internet but it’s dial-up. Please pray that God provides a solution soon. I have many pictures and thoughts to upload once I get a faster connection.
Listen to The Impossible?Â
How do you respond when it seems like you’ve hit a dead end? I feel like I’ve hit one.
New Opportunities
Imagine the anticipation that Paul and his travelling companions had as they headed from Troas to Philippi. On their voyage they would first see Samothrace a conspicuous island landmark in the North Aegean. Then it was off to Neopolis, the seaport serving Philippi.
After reaching Neopolis, the missionaries head west 10 miles on the Via Egnatia to Philippi
Vision to Go
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (NIV) Psalms 33:11
Paul was blocked by God from moving further into the region of Phrygia and Galatia to preach the Word in the province of Asia. “So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. (Acts 16:8-12)
God closed 1 door but opened up a new opportunity. Notice Paul’s immediate obedience to God’s call. He and his companions “got ready at once.” Can you imagine the anticipation and excitement as they realize that with the new vision that they are going to. . .
** New opportunities
** New territories
** New cultures
** New places of influence
** New people who had never heard the Gospel
Their obedience and excitement should be contagious for us today. God is still at work in our world. There are millions of people who do not have a relationship with Christ. Are you willing to take His Word into the “new territories” and “different cultures” where you live? How will you be used by God in new places of influence? When will you share the Gospel with new people who have never heard of God’s love for them?
Greece Travel-Blog
Travel through Greece with Marji “Mike” Kruger. Beginning on September 17 she will be hosting a special travel-blog complete with pictures, reflections, and audio messages as she travels in the footsteps of Paul. 
What Do You Do When God Closes A Door?
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. (NIV) Acts 16:6-7
Imagine Paul’s disappointment. After visiting the churches that he had founded in Asia Minor, he tries to enter new territory. But God closes the door. Everything had been going so smoothly and suddenly the opportunities to preach the Gospel end. I imagine that Paul was not only disappointed but also discouraged and confused. And yet, he trusted God.
Isn’t it comforting to know that even the great apostle Paul was not always clear with God’s will for his ministry! How do you feel when you believe that you’re following God’s will and suddenly God blocks your way? Do you pursue another direction, still believing that it’s His will and again God won’t let your go that way either? What is your reaction?
As with Paul, wait on God and watch Him work!
What do you do when God closes a door?
Partial Allegiance Is No Allegiance At All!
Nothing should compete for your allegiance to Jesus. . .not cost of obedience. . .
Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!” 29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.” (Luke 18:28-30)
Nothing should compete for your allegiance to Jesus. . .not the voices of others. . .
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:4-5, 27)
Nothing should compete for your allegiance to Jesus. . .not how hard the service is. . .
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. (John 12:26)
Nothing should compete for your allegiance to Jesus. . .not the intensity of your suffering. . .
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21)
O Lord, nothing should compete with my allegiance to You. . .not work or business. . .not the comforts of home. . .not family. . .not my own desires. . .not the depth of the sacrifice. . .not money or possessions. . .not the cost of obedience. . .not the timing of the call. . .not the comforts of knowing where I’ll be living. . .not excuses. . .not memories of the past (good or bad). . .not getting up and moving. . .not the voices of others. . .not how hard the service is. . .not suffering. . .not sin. . .not even death. O Lord, I see that partial allegiance is no allegiance at all!
Will you join me in following Paul as he said: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)