Neapolis
“New city”
Summary
Neapolis was the seaport in northern Greece where Paul first landed in Europe on his second missionary journey, serving as the harbor for the inland city of Philippi.
☩Paul's Arrival in Europe
Neapolis was the place where Paul and his associates first landed on European soil, having sailed from Troas in response to the Macedonian call. From Troas they had sailed direct to Samothrace, and on the next day reached Neapolis in a quick passage before a southerly breeze. The journey is described with the Greek word meaning a 'straight run' to indicate the favorable wind. Paul certainly passed through Neapolis again on later journeys to and from Macedonia.
☩Location and Character
Neapolis was situated on a rocky headland with a spacious harbor on its western side, in the northern shore of the Aegean Sea. It served as the seaport of Philippi, which lay ten Roman miles inland. The town is generally identified with the modern Turkish village of Kavalla, which stands opposite the island of Thasos. The name 'Neapolis' (meaning 'New City') was common in Greco-Roman times, suggesting it was an old town refounded and supplied with a fresh colony. During the battle of Philippi in 42 BC, the fleet of Brutus and Cassius was moored in its harbor.
Related Verses1 mention
Acts· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Neapolis," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Neapolis," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).