The first place in Europe were St. Paul preached was Phillipi. It was a “Roman colony.” Retired soldiers were given property throughout the empire to ensure enclaves of loyalty to Rome and considered “colonies” of the capital instead of being bound by local jurisdiction. It was, therefore, to a somewhat rootless population that Paul addressed the gospel. (The city was abandoned in the fourteenth century and the ruins are an archeological treasure giving lots of information about life in ancient times.) The first European convert was Lydia who must have been someone of influence since being a “dealer in purple cloth” would have put her in touch with the elite, purple dye being a luxury item. As a “worshipper of God” she was a spiritual searcher. Paul was able to name what she was searching for. We live in a age full of spiritual searchers and must imitate Paul in going out to them to bring the gospel.
MAY152023
By Church Staff
