The acropolis was a fortified stronghold that overlooked the city and surrounding valley.
Greece - In Paul's Footsteps
Theater at Philippi
Paul's Prison at Philippi
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?
