Philippi was named after Philip of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, who captured it from the Thracians. Alexander started his military campaign from this city. By the time Paul visited, it was a Roman colony. This is shown by the Latin rather than Greek language on this coin. One side commemorates the VICtories of Caesar AUGustus. The other displays the military standards of the COHOrt of the PRAEtorian Guard stationed at PHILippi.

The Holy Spirit chose this city for the first European converts and guided Paul and Silas to visit it. Lydia was the first of many believers. After Paul and Silas were illegally jailed and praised God in song from prison all evening, an earthquake freed them. The jailer was amazed that they didn't try to escape and inquired about his own salvation. He was told, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved." (See Acts 16)

Over a decade later Paul was again in prison, this time in Rome. From there he wrote to the Philippian congregation the most joyful letter in the New Testament.
[SGI 32]

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