From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia.
Here the Good News comes to Europe! To Philippi! A Roman city named for the father of Alexander the Great - Phillip of Macedon - the leader who united Greece.
Paul’s ability to travel freely through different countries and his ability to speak to different cultures in a common language is no accident of history. God has prepared the world for this possibility.
First by the spread of Greek culture through the conquests of Alexander the Great, the Greek language has become the second language of people throughout the world. This allows Paul – also schooled in Greek – to teach in every culture without learning their unique language.
Then, the rise of the Roman Empire has brought law and order to the known world. The Pax Romano – Roman Peace - has supressed hostile nations under Roman Law. A law enforced by Rome-appointed rulers and a strong military presence in every country.
Rome also built an elaborate system of roads and established a reliable postal system. These combined to enable safety in travel and extensive communication all over the vast Roman Empire.
By God’s providence, the world was readied for the coming of Jesus. Near perfect conditions for students of Jesus to go and make students in all nations!
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there.
Perhaps the first convert in Europe was a woman named Lydia. Lydia and her household were baptized.
Here the Good News comes to Europe! To Philippi! A Roman city named for the father of Alexander the Great - Phillip of Macedon - the leader who united Greece.
Paul’s ability to travel freely through different countries and his ability to speak to different cultures in a common language is no accident of history. God has prepared the world for this possibility.
First by the spread of Greek culture through the conquests of Alexander the Great, the Greek language has become the second language of people throughout the world. This allows Paul – also schooled in Greek – to teach in every culture without learning their unique language.
Then, the rise of the Roman Empire has brought law and order to the known world. The Pax Romano – Roman Peace - has supressed hostile nations under Roman Law. A law enforced by Rome-appointed rulers and a strong military presence in every country.
Rome also built an elaborate system of roads and established a reliable postal system. These combined to enable safety in travel and extensive communication all over the vast Roman Empire.
By God’s providence, the world was readied for the coming of Jesus. Near perfect conditions for students of Jesus to go and make students in all nations!
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there.
Perhaps the first convert in Europe was a woman named Lydia. Lydia and her household were baptized.
Exactly what we have observed in every case of conversion to Jesus thus far in the Book of Acts! In Jerusalem and Samaria, in Antioch and Caesarea! Paul, Cornelius, an Ethiopian, and now Lydia! Students of Jesus are baptized.
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