Macedonia

Macedonia was a Roman province in northern Greece whose cities included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. In a night vision at Troas, Paul saw a man of Macedonia praying him, 'Come over into Macedonia, and help us,' and he set sail at once, bringing the gospel into Europe. Churches soon grew in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea despite fierce opposition. Paul later wrote that the churches of Macedonia, in a great trial of affliction and deep poverty, gave 'beyond their power' for the poor saints in Jerusalem, and that from the Thessalonians the word of the Lord had sounded out through Macedonia and Achaia. Several of Paul's traveling companions, including Gaius and Aristarchus, were men of Macedonia.

0:00

Details

Region: Greece/Rome
Modern Location: Northern Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia

Strongest connections in Scripture

Acts 16 Acts 20 2 Corinthians 8 1 Thessalonians 1

Journey Paths

Luke's Journey

Antioch → Rome → Macedonia

Key Passages

The Macedonian Call

Acts 16:9-12

A vision in the night redirects Paul's journey, and the gospel crosses into Europe at Philippi.

A⁹nd a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

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.

Paul Returns Through Macedonia

Acts 20:1-3

After the uproar at Ephesus, Paul revisits and encourages the Macedonian churches.

A¹nd after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

² And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, ³ And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

The Generosity of Macedonia

2 Corinthians 8:1-4

Poor churches beg for the privilege of giving to the saints in Jerusalem.

M¹oreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

² How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. ³ For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; ⁴ Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

An Example to Macedonia and Achaia

1 Thessalonians 1:7-8

The Thessalonians' faith becomes known throughout the region.

S⁷o that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

⁸ For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.