Lexical Summary kolónia: Colony Original Word: κολωνία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance colony. Of Latin origin; a Roman "colony" for veterans -- colony. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition a colony (a city settlement of soldiers disbanded from the Roman army) NASB Translation colony (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2862: κολωνίακολωνία (R G Tr), κολωνία (L T WH KC (cf. Chandler § 95)) (Tdf. editions 2, 7 κολωνεία; see his note on Acts as below, and cf. εἰ, ἰ), κολωνιας, ἡ (a Latin word), a colony: in Acts 16:12 the city of Philippi is so called, where Octavianus had planted a Roman colony (cf. Dio Cassius, 51, 4; Digest. 50, tit. 15, 8). The exegetical difficulties of this passage are best removed, as Meyer shows, by connecting κολωνία closely with πρώτη πόλις, the chief city, a (Roman) colony (a colonial city); (but cf. Lightfoot's Commentary on Philippians, p. 50f). Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope The term denotes a Roman colony, a municipally organized settlement planted in conquered territory and governed under Roman law. In the New Testament the word is applied once—Acts 16:12—to Philippi in Macedonia. Historical Background Roman colonies originated as military outposts intended to secure strategic routes and spread Roman culture. Veterans were granted land there; Latin language, Roman dress, and civic institutions followed. Colonies possessed a measure of autonomy, but ultimate allegiance lay with Rome. Their citizens enjoyed the prized status of “ius Italicum,” granting exemption from certain taxes and the privilege of being tried under Roman law. Roman Colonies in Macedonia After the Battle of Philippi (42 B.C.), Octavian settled veterans of the triumvirs’ armies in the city, renaming it Colonia Julia Augusta Philippensis. Situated on the Via Egnatia, Philippi became a regional hub for commerce and governance. Its colony status distinguished it from neighboring Greek poleis and explains Luke’s description of it as “a leading city of that district of Macedonia” (Acts 16:12). Philippi’s Colony Status and the Pauline Mission Paul and Silas reached Philippi during the second missionary journey. The colony’s Roman character shaped several key events: These details ground the narrative in a setting where civic pride and Roman law intersected with gospel proclamation. Legal and Social Privileges Citizens of a colony could buy and sell property as Romans, appeal to Caesar, and were exempt from degrading punishments. Such privileges fostered a culture of honor, duty, and sharp social stratification. The early church in Philippi—composed of Lydia, a jailer, and others—cut across those divisions, witnessing to a higher allegiance. Spiritual Application and Imagery Paul later writes to the believers in Philippi: “But our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). For dwellers of a prestigious colony, the analogy was vivid. Just as Philippi mirrored Rome’s laws and customs far from the capital, the church was to reflect the character of its heavenly King within a pagan environment. The colony metaphor thus underlines themes of identity, conduct, and hope: Implications for Church Life and Conduct 1. Respect for lawful authority (Romans 13:1–7) coupled with readiness to appeal to legal rights when the gospel is hindered. Related Biblical References Acts 16:12–40; Philippians 1:27–30; Philippians 3:20–21; Ephesians 2:19; Romans 13:1–7; 1 Thessalonians 1:7–8; 2 Corinthians 5:20. Key Themes for Teaching and Preaching • Heavenly citizenship versus earthly status. Conclusion The single New Testament use of the term in Acts 16:12 opens a window onto the sociopolitical context of early Christian mission, illuminates Paul’s correspondence with the Philippian church, and offers enduring lessons on identity, obedience, and witness in any earthly setting. Forms and Transliterations κολωνια κολωνία κολώνια kolonia kolonía kolōnia kolōníaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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