Owensboro Christian Church group at the Ancient Theater of Philippi, Greece.
History isn't just found in books—sometimes, you have to stand in the middle of it. Recently, our group from Owensboro Christian Church (OCC) traded the hills of Kentucky for the ancient stone of Philippi, Greece, on an unforgettable journey.
A Legacy Carved in Stone
Standing at the base of the ancient acropolis, we found ourselves surrounded by the tiers of the Theater of Philippi. Built in the 4th century BC, this architectural marvel was commissioned by Philip II of Macedon—the legendary father of Alexander the Great.
To think that this structure was already old and worn when the Apostle Paul walked these same streets is a powerful reminder of the deep roots of our faith and history.
History Comes to Life
While the stones are silent, our group from OCC certainly wasn't! There is something transformative about seeing a site name leap from a Bible map to a physical reality. Seeing church family gathered where the Greeks watched dramas and Roman citizens gathered brought a new energy to these ruins.
Why Philippi Matters
For us, Philippi isn't just a feat of Macedonian engineering; it’s a place of beginnings.
Royal Roots: It bears the name and the vision of King Philip II.
Scriptural Connection: This city was the site of the first Christian community in Europe.
Living Fellowship: Today, it serves as a backdrop for our own journey of discovery and development.
As we continue our journey, we carry the echoes of this ancient theater with us. It’s a powerful feeling to know that while kingdoms rise and fall, the stories we share and the faith we hold continue to bridge the gap between 4th-century Greece and 21st-century Kentucky. Or, as we say around here at Bible Land Explorer, we “Discover the Place where Faith Begins.”