Location
Overview
Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia, holds the distinction of being the first place in Europe where Paul preached the gospel, after a vision summoned him across from Asia: "Come over into Macedonia, and help us" (Acts 16:9).
Lydia, the first European convert
By the riverside Paul met Lydia, a seller of purple, "whose heart the Lord opened"; she and her household were baptized and she opened her home to the missionaries (Acts 16:14–15).
Songs in the prison
After Paul cast a spirit of divination out of a slave girl, he and Silas were beaten and jailed. At midnight they prayed and sang; an earthquake shook the prison, and the keeper and his household were saved (Acts 16:25–34).
The epistle of joy
Paul's later letter to the Philippians, written from prison, overflows with affection and joy for this faithful church — "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you" (Philippians 1:3).
Events Here
Paul crosses to Macedonia after the Macedonian vision
Lydia believes and is baptized — the first European convert
Paul and Silas sing in prison; an earthquake frees them
Scripture References
8 versesMatthew1 verse
Matthew 16:13
When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
Mark1 verse
Mark 8:27
And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?
Acts2 verses
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. the chief: or, the first
Acts 20:6
And 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.
1 Corinthians1 verse
1 Corinthians 16:24
My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus and Timotheus.
2 Corinthians1 verse
2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.
Philippians1 verse
Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
1 Thessalonians1 verse
1 Thessalonians 2:2
But 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.
Archaeology & History
Founded by Philip II of Macedon in the 4th century BC and refounded as a Roman colony after the Battle of Philippi (42 BC), the city's ruins — forum, basilicas, and a traditional "prison of Paul" — survive near Krinides in northern Greece and form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
People who appear here
Frequently asked about Philippi
Where is Philippi today?
Today, Philippi corresponds to Philippi (ruins) near Krinides, Greece.
What does the name Philippi mean?
The name Philippi means “Named after Philip II of Macedon”.
What happened at Philippi in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Philippi include paul crosses to macedonia after the macedonian vision; lydia believes and is baptized — the first european convert; paul and silas sing in prison; an earthquake frees them.
Where is Philippi first mentioned in the Bible?
Philippi is first mentioned in Matthew 16:13.
How often is Philippi mentioned in the Bible?
Philippi is mentioned in 8 verses across 7 books: Matthew, Mark, Acts, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians.
Why is Philippi significant?
It was the first city in Europe where Paul preached the gospel; Lydia became the first recorded European convert there.
What happened to Paul and Silas in Philippi?
They were beaten and imprisoned, but while praying and singing at midnight an earthquake opened the prison, and the jailer and his household believed and were baptized.