Cities & towns · Macedonia
Philippi
What was Philippi?
Philippi was the Roman colony where the gospel first took root in Europe — with a jailer singing hymns at midnight.
TodayRuins of Filippoi, northern Greece
StatusRoman colony in Macedonia
First convertLydia
LetterPhilippians
A proud Roman colony on the Egnatian Way, Philippi had no synagogue; Paul found praying women by the river, and Lydia became Europe’s first convert.
Beaten and jailed, Paul and Silas prayed and sang at midnight till an earthquake shook the doors open — and the jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?”
To this beloved church Paul later wrote his most joyful letter: “Rejoice in the Lord always… I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
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.” Acts 16:25 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Related places
Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.