Scripture: Acts 16:11-12
We sailed from Troas straight for Samothrace and came to Neapolis the following day. From there we went to Philippi, a city of Macedonia’s first district and a Roman colony. We stayed in that city several days.
Thought for the Day: Again, I shared this text in a devotional before leaving for Greece, but today I return to it as it is the verse immediately before the passage I am focusing on today in worship. Neapolis (Greek for New City) is now known as Kavala. As we visited Kavala, it made me wonder why we have stories of Philippi but not Neapolis. There are a multitude of nonBiblical traditions, stories and mythos connected to many of the cities of Greece. Many of these narratives speak of Paul visiting and preaching in Greek communities, or even starting a church. I think it is a little like how every 5th grader is a direct descendent of Billy the Kid or some other interesting character from history. There is a possibility, no matter how slim, and suddenly a narrative grows from it. Today, it is difficult to determine whether some of these strongly held stories (like some of them in the city of Neapolis that have no Biblical connection) have some, a lot, or absolutely no historical basis. Dismissing them is what many people will do, yet I think there is a danger in doing so. I can’t prove that Paul did not do some powerful preaching in Neapolis, and as long as someone doesn’t suggest his preaching advocated something contrary to the life of Jesus, then why should we argue about it. Someone tells me a story about a spiritual encounter with Jesus during a prayer time – is my first reaction to say, “Prove it!” Or should I simply listen, and as long as it affirms the beauty of God’s unconditional love, I think it is ok to celebrate this person’s experience that has absolutely no way of being verified.
Prayer: Let the stories of the faith be told and retold. O Merciful and Gracious God, I pray for ears to hear the stories of those who have been blessed by someone sharing your Gospel of unconditional love. This I pray in the name of your most generous gift, Jesus. Amen.
Close to where the Apostle Paul would have come ashore
when he arrived in Neapolis.
