Devine Scripture

Acts 16:12

What does Acts 16:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 16:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 16:12 means

From Neapolis they proceed to Philippi, a leading city of Macedonia and a Roman colony. Roman colonies enjoyed special legal status and mirrored Roman culture, making Philippi a strategic beachhead for the gospel in Europe. The team remains there for some days, likely learning the city’s rhythms and seeking points of contact. Luke’s emphasis on Philippi’s status hints at the significance of what will unfold. God often plants His church in influential centers to radiate grace outward. Here the mission won’t begin in a synagogue, suggesting a small Jewish presence. Instead, God will open a door among God-fearing Gentiles and households, beginning with Lydia.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and from thence to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the first of the district, a Roman colony: and we were in this city tarrying certain days.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and from thence to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the first of the district, a Roman colony: and we were in this city tarrying certain days.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And from there to Philippi, which is the most important town of Macedonia and a Roman colony: and we were there for some days.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

thence also to Philippi, which is a principal city of the part of Macedonia--a colony. And we were in this city abiding certain days,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were in this city some days conferring together.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and thence to Philippi, which is [the] first city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city certain days.

Context

Arriving in Philippi sets the stage for the first European conversions. Without an evident synagogue, the team looks for a place of prayer by a river in verse 13. This shift shows flexibility in method, yet faithfulness in message. The chapter will now present two contrasted scenes: a gentle opening of Lydia’s heart and a tumultuous deliverance that leads to imprisonment—both advancing the gospel’s reach in Philippi.

v.11Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the day following to Neapolis;

v.12This passage

v.13And on the sabbath day we went forth without the gate by a river side, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down, and spake unto the women that were come together.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Philippians 1:1

    Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

  • Acts 20:6

    And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we tarried seven days.

  • Acts 16:9

    And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: There was a man of Macedonia standing, beseeching him, and saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

  • Acts 16:21

    and set forth customs which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to observe, being Romans.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:2

    but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as ye know, at Philippi, we waxed bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God in much conflict.

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