King James Version

What Does Acts 16:12 Mean?

Acts 16:12 in the King James Version says “And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city a...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 16:12 · King James Version


Context

10

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

11

Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;

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

13

And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. sabbath: Gr. sabbath day

14

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And from thence to Philippi—Luke's use of 'we' signals his presence on this second missionary journey, making this eyewitness testimony. Philippi was named after Philip II of Macedon (Alexander the Great's father). Luke emphasizes it is the chief city of that part of Macedonia (πρώτη τῆς μερίδος Μακεδονίας πόλις)—'first city of the district,' indicating regional prominence though not the provincial capital (Thessalonica held that honor).

Critically, Philippi was a colony (κολωνία)—a Roman colonia established by Augustus after the Battle of Philippi (42 BC). Coloniae enjoyed ius Italicum (Italian rights): exemption from tribute, Roman citizenship for inhabitants, and governance under Roman law. This context illuminates Paul's later claim to Roman citizenship (16:37) and the church's call to citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20). The city's Roman character explains why Paul found no synagogue (16:13)—the Jewish population was minimal.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Philippi lay on the Via Egnatia, Rome's military highway connecting the Adriatic to Byzantium, making it strategically vital. Founded as a Roman colony in 42 BC after Mark Antony and Octavian's victory over Brutus and Cassius, it was settled by military veterans. Paul arrived circa AD 49-50 during his second missionary journey, making this Christianity's first European foothold.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Philippi's status as a Roman colony with heavenly citizenship parallels inform Paul's later teaching to the Philippian church about being 'citizens of heaven' (Phil 3:20)?
  2. What does the 'we' passage reveal about Luke's role as both historian and participant in the gospel's advancement into Europe?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
ἐκειθέν1 of 22

“from thence”

G1564

thence

τε2 of 22

“And”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

εἰς3 of 22

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Φιλίππους4 of 22

“Philippi”

G5375

philippi, a place in macedonia

ἥτις5 of 22

“which”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐστὶν6 of 22

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

πρώτη7 of 22

“the chief”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

τῆς8 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μερίδος9 of 22

“of that part”

G3310

a portion, i.e., province, share or (abstractly) participation

τὴς10 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Μακεδονίας11 of 22

“of Macedonia”

G3109

macedonia, a region of greece

πόλει12 of 22

“city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

κολωνία13 of 22

“and a colony”

G2862

a roman "colony" for veterans

ἦμεν14 of 22
G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

δὲ15 of 22

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐν16 of 22

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταύτῃ17 of 22
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

τῇ18 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόλει19 of 22

“city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

διατρίβοντες20 of 22

“abiding”

G1304

to wear through (time), i.e., remain

ἡμέρας21 of 22

“days”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

τινάς22 of 22

“certain”

G5100

some or any person or object


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 16:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 16:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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