Macedonia, a significant region in the New Testament, is located in the northern part of present-day Greece. It played a crucial role in the spread of early Christianity and is frequently mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline Epistles.

Geographical and Historical Context

Macedonia was a prominent kingdom in the ancient world, known for its powerful rulers, including Philip II and his son, Alexander the Great. By the time of the New Testament, Macedonia had become a Roman province. Its major cities included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, each of which held strategic and economic importance.

Biblical Significance

Macedonia is first mentioned in the New Testament in the context of Paul's missionary journeys. The Apostle Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help, which led him to travel there, marking the beginning of the spread of the Gospel in Europe (Acts 16:9-10: "During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.").

Key Cities and Events

1. Philippi: Paul and his companions, including Silas, Timothy, and Luke, first arrived in Philippi, a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. Here, Lydia, a seller of purple goods, became the first convert in Europe (Acts 16:14-15). Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi, where a miraculous earthquake led to the conversion of the jailer and his household (Acts 16:25-34).

2. Thessalonica: Paul preached in the synagogue of Thessalonica, where some Jews and a large number of God-fearing Greeks believed (Acts 17:1-4). However, opposition arose, leading to Paul's departure. Despite this, the church in Thessalonica became a model of faith and perseverance, as reflected in Paul's letters to them (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8).

3. Berea: The Bereans were noted for their noble character, as they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to verify Paul's teachings (Acts 17:11: "Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.").

Paul's Relationship with the Macedonian Churches

Paul maintained a close relationship with the Macedonian churches, often commending them for their generosity and faith. The Macedonian believers were noted for their sacrificial giving, even in the midst of severe trials and poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). Paul also expressed gratitude for their support during his ministry (Philippians 4:15-16).

Theological Implications

The account of Macedonia in the New Testament highlights the universality of the Gospel and the early church's mission to reach all nations. The Macedonian call signifies God's direction and the opening of new fields for evangelism. The response of the Macedonian churches exemplifies Christian virtues such as hospitality, generosity, and a commitment to the truth of the Scriptures.

Macedonia's role in the New Testament narrative underscores the dynamic spread of Christianity and the establishment of vibrant communities of faith in diverse cultural contexts.Macedo'nia (20 Occurrences)

Acts 16:9
And a vision through the night appeared to Paul -- a certain man of Macedonia was standing, calling upon him, and saying, 'Having passed through to Macedonia, help us;' --
(See RSV)

Acts 16:10
and when he saw the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go forth to Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord hath called us to preach good news to them,
(See RSV)

Acts 16:12
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,
(See RSV)

Acts 18:5
And when both Silas and Timotheus came down from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the Spirit, testifying fully to the Jews Jesus the Christ;
(See RSV)

Acts 19:21
And when these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in the Spirit, having gone through Macedonia and Achaia, to go on to Jerusalem, saying -- 'After my being there, it behoveth me also to see Rome;'
(See RSV)

Acts 19:22
and having sent to Macedonia two of those ministering to him -- Timotheus and Erastus -- he himself stayed a time in Asia.
(See RSV)

Acts 20:1
And after the ceasing of the tumult, Paul having called near the disciples, and having embraced 'them', went forth to go on to Macedonia;
(See RSV)

Acts 20:3
having made also three months' 'stay' -- a counsel of the Jews having been against him -- being about to set forth to Syria, there came 'to him' a resolution of returning through Macedonia.
(See RSV)

Romans 15:26
for it pleased Macedonia and Achaia well to make a certain contribution for the poor of the saints who 'are' in Jerusalem;
(See RSV)

1 Corinthians 16:5
And I will come unto you, when I pass through Macedonia -- for Macedonia I do pass through --
(See RSV)

2 Corinthians 1:16
and through you to pass to Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come unto you, and by you to be sent forward to Judea.
(See RSV)

2 Corinthians 2:13
I have not had rest to my spirit, on my not finding Titus my brother, but having taken leave of them, I went forth to Macedonia;
(See RSV)

2 Corinthians 7:5
for also we, having come to Macedonia, no relaxation hath our flesh had, but on every side we are in tribulation, without 'are' fightings, within -- fears;
(See RSV)

2 Corinthians 8:1
And we make known to you, brethren, the grace of God, that hath been given in the assemblies of Macedonia,
(See RSV)

2 Corinthians 9:2
for I have known your readiness of mind, which in your behalf I boast of to Macedonians, that Achaia hath been prepared a year ago, and the zeal of you did stir up the more part,
(See RSV)

2 Corinthians 11:9
and being present with you, and having been in want, I was chargeable to no one, for my lack did the brethren supply -- having come from Macedonia -- and in everything burdenless to you I did keep myself, and will keep.
(See RSV)

Philippians 4:15
and ye have known, even ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the good news when I went forth from Macedonia, no assembly did communicate with me in regard to giving and receiving except ye only;
(See RSV)

1 Thessalonians 1:7
so that ye became patterns to all those believing in Macedonia and Achaia,
(See RSV)

1 Thessalonians 1:8
for from you hath sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God did go forth, so that we have no need to say anything,
(See RSV)

1 Thessalonians 4:10
for ye do it also to all the brethren who 'are' in all Macedonia; and we call upon you, brethren, to abound still more,
(See RSV)

Macedo'nia (20 Occurrences)
Macedo'nia. Macedonia, Macedo'nia. Macedonian . Multi-Version Concordance
Macedo'nia (20 Occurrences). Acts 16:9 And a vision through ...
/m/macedo'nia.htm - 11k

Macedonian (4 Occurrences)

/m/macedonian.htm - 8k

Macedonia (23 Occurrences)

/m/macedonia.htm - 40k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus