100 Reasons to Believe New Testament History
46. Philippi the First City of a District and a Colony
In Acts 16:12, Luke states that their journey took them, “from thence to Philippi, which is the chief [protos -first] city of that part [meris – districts] of Macedonia, and a colony –kolonia]…”
After the Roman conquest, Macedonia was divided into four regiones; a fairly rare geopolitical division outside of Macedonia in that time. Luke’s use of the term “meris” (translated in the KJV as “part”) is technically correct, as the writings of Livy indicate. Knowledge of specific local details such as this can only support the Christian’s contention that Acts is a first century work penned by Luke, travelling companion of Paul. A
Luke states that Philippi was “the first city” of that part of Macedonia. While scholars debate what exactly this term was meant to signify, it is beyond question that the term was used of this and other Macedonian cities at that time. Some suggest that there existed rivalry between cities of a particular district for the dignity of the title “first”. William Ramsey notes,
“These cases of rivalry between two or even three cities for the dignity and title of “first” are familiar to every student of the history of the Greek cities…” Sir William Ramsey, “St. Paul the Traveler and Roman Citizen”, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, 1962
The mention of Philippi as a colony is similarly well attested. Philippi came under Roman control in 168 BC. Antony and Octavian defeated Brutus and Cassius in 42 B.C. and veterans of this battle were allowed to settle in the area of Philippi and form a colony there.
46. Philippi the First City of a District and a Colony - Notes and References
A. “The mention of districts suggests the eyewitness.” A.N. Sherwin-White, “Roman Law and Roman Society in the New Testament”, Baker Book House, 1992, reprint of 1963 Ed., p. 93