Philippi

Gangitis River

Philippi apparently had only a small number of Jewish inhabitants and no synagogue. Consequently Shabbat worship was held outside the city on the Gangitis River.  Here Paul met a group of women to whom he preached the gospel.  Lydia, a merchant trading purple cloth, believed Paul's message and was baptized with members of her household.  Subsequently Paul went and lived at her home.

Acropolis

Founded in the 4th c. B.C. and renamed after King Philip of Macedon, Philippi was an important outpost on the Egnation Way.  Two important battles were fought here in 42 B.C. resulting in the defeat of Cassius and Brutus, conspirators in the assassination of Julius Caesar.  After these battles, Philippi became a Roman colony encompassing 700 square miles.  

Excavations

Archaeological work has revealed a large and well-preserved forum, a theater, the alleged jail of Paul and several Byzantine churches, including one of the earliest churches known in Greece.  The number of churches in the city in the Byzantine period indicate Philippi's importance to Christians at this time.  A series of earthquakes apparently destroyed many of the buildings and probably contributed to the city's decline.

Egnatian Way

The Via Egnatia was built beginning in 145 B.C. and at its greatest extent connected Byzantium with the Adriatic ports.  This route was Rome's primary artery to the east and Philippi was an important outpost along the road.  The Egnatian Way made it easier for Rome to move troops throughout the empire and it was the route that Paul traveled on from Neapolis to Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia and Thessalonica.

Philippian Jail

This traditional place of Paul and Silas's imprisonment is of dubious authenticity, but it remembers the attack on these men and their subsequent flogging and imprisonment.  In the course of the night, a violent earthquake shook the prison and the jailer feared that all might have escaped.  After learning that none had fled, the Philippian jailer put his faith in Christ and was baptized with his family.

Latrines

Public bathrooms were not uncommon in ancient Roman cities, but this one is a good illustration for Paul's reference to scubalon, or human waste.  In his letter to the Philippians, Paul wrote "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ" (3:8 NIV).

Philippi (Hellenic Ministry of Culture) Highlights the site's history, excavations, and important monuments. Hosted by the government of Greece.

Mission in Philippi (The Unbound Bible) Briefly recounts the history of Philippi and the biblical events that happened there in Acts 16.

Philippi (Christian Travel Study Programs) Summarizes the city's history, biblical significance, and excavations.

Philippi: The Results of a Geophysical Survey (University of Nottingham) Technical discussion of a geophysical survey carried out at the site (for those who are interested), but also includes a topographical map of the area that provides an idea of the Philippi's physical features.

Gods, Gold, and the Glory of Philippi (Lambert Dolphin's Resources)  A good article by Gordon Franz on the history of Philippi and Paul's ministry here.