Learn more about Neapolis

Introduction to Neapolis

Neapolis, meaning “New City” in Greek, was a significant coastal town located in ancient Macedonia, specifically in the region of Thrace. It served as the port city for Philippi and was a crucial location in the spread of early Christianity. Though mentioned only once by name in the Bible, Neapolis holds importance due to its role in the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys, particularly his first entrance into Europe as recounted in the Book of Acts.

Neapolis Pronunciation

“Neapolis” is pronounced as NEE-uh-puh-liss, with emphasis typically on the first syllable.

Neapolis in the New Testament

Neapolis is briefly mentioned in the New Testament in connection with the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul:

• Acts 16:11: “So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis.” This verse marks the beginning of Paul’s journey into Europe, as he traveled from Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) to the continent that would become a central region for Christian expansion. From Neapolis, Paul and his companions traveled inland to Philippi.

While the mention is brief, its significance is profound. It was through Neapolis that Paul entered Europe, bringing the gospel to new territories. This moment signified a turning point in the history of Christianity, as the faith began to take root beyond its Jewish and Middle Eastern origins.

Neapolis in Biblical Geography and History

Neapolis was located on the northern Aegean Sea and served as a key port for Philippi, about 10 miles inland. In Roman times, it was situated along the Via Egnatia, a major Roman road that connected the Adriatic coast with Byzantium (later Constantinople). This road made Neapolis a strategic hub for travel and trade, and it provided an efficient route for early Christian missionaries.

The city played a logistical and practical role in the missionary endeavors of the early church. It was a natural landing point for travelers from the eastern Mediterranean aiming to reach northern Greece and the interior regions of the Roman Empire.

Related Themes and Meanings to Neapolis

The name Neapolis (“New City”) was not unique and was used for several cities in the ancient world, including the modern city of Naples in Italy. However, in the biblical context, its association with Paul’s mission gives it distinct Christian significance:

• Missionary Expansion: Neapolis symbolizes the westward expansion of the Christian message.
• Divine Guidance: Paul’s arrival in Neapolis was the result of a vision in which a man from Macedonia pleaded for help (Acts 16:9-10). Thus, Neapolis also represents obedience to divine calling.
• Gateway to Europe: It served as the literal and symbolic entry point for the gospel into European territory.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Neapolis

• Modern-day Neapolis is believed to correspond to the city of Kavala in Greece, where remnants of the ancient port and Roman roads can still be found.
• While its biblical mention is brief, Neapolis’s role is pivotal in the narrative of Christian missions, marking one of the most significant geographical shifts in the early church’s outreach.
• The proximity of Neapolis to Philippi, where Paul converted Lydia and cast out a spirit from a slave girl, ties it closely to several dramatic events in Acts 16.
• Archaeological finds in the area include Roman structures and Christian inscriptions, underscoring its historical role in early Christian history.

Conclusion

Though Neapolis is mentioned only once by name in Scripture, its importance as the threshold of Paul’s European ministry cannot be overstated. It symbolizes the expansion of the gospel into new cultural and geographical arenas. The city’s name—“New City”—is fitting, for it served as the launching point of a new era of Christian witness that would eventually permeate the Roman Empire and shape Western civilization.