Colony
LocationsGeographical Setting
A Roman colony was a settlement of retired soldiers or citizens established in conquered territories to extend Roman law and culture.
What is the meaning of Colony in the Bible?
A colony was a Roman settlement established in conquered territories, possessing distinct legal privileges and administrative structures. In the New Testament, the term appears in Acts 16:12 to identify Philippi as a Roman colony within the region of Macedonia.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Philippi's status as a Roman colony illuminates the political and social context of the early church, clarifying why Paul's imprisonment carried such civic weight and explaining the strong sense of identity and pride among the believers in that city.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Colony in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Colony clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.