Acts 16:13

"and from there to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the foremost of the district, a Roman colony. We were staying some days in this city."

Key Reflection

Acts 16:13 describes Paul and his companions traveling to Philippi, a significant city within the Roman province of Macedonia. Philippi held a special status as a Roman colony, which meant it enjoyed certain privileges such as self-governance under Roman oversight. For the original audience, this detail would have underscored the strategic importance of Philippi, highlighting both its civic and political significance in the region.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 13. And on the sabbath. There is no doubt that in this city there were Jews. In the time of the apostles they were scattered extensively throughout the known world. By a river side. What river this was is not known. It is known, however, that the Jews were accustomed to provide water, or to build their synagogues and oratories near water, for the convenience of the numerous washings before and during their religious services. Where prayer. Where there was a proseuchae, or place of prayer; or where prayer was commonly offered. The Greek will bear either; but the sense is the same.

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