Lexical Summary Makedón: Macedonian Original Word: Μακεδών Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of Macedonia, Macedonian. Of uncertain derivation; a Macedon (Macedonian), i.e. Inhabitant of Macedonia -- of Macedonia, Macedonian. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a Macedonian, an inhab. of Macedonia NASB Translation Macedonia (2), Macedonian (1), Macedonians (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3110: ΜακεδώνΜακεδών, Μακεδόνος, ὁ, a Macedonian: Acts 16:9 (cf. Buttmann, § 123, 8 Rem.); Topical Lexicon Geographical and Historical Background Macedonia in the first century referred to the Roman province north of Achaia, bounded by the Aegean Sea to the east and the Adriatic to the west. Cities such as Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea sat astride the great east–west corridor known as the Via Egnatia, making the region a strategic land bridge between Asia and Europe. The area retained a distinct Hellenistic identity that stretched back to Alexander the Great, yet by New Testament times it enjoyed the stability and infrastructure of Roman administration. These features combined to create fertile ground for rapid gospel expansion once the message arrived. Entry of Macedonia into the Redemptive Narrative (Acts 16:9) Scripture introduces the individual “Macedonian” (Strong’s 3110) at a decisive moment in salvation history. While in Troas, Paul “had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’ ” (Acts 16:9). Guided by this vision, the apostolic band crossed the Aegean and stepped onto European soil for the first time. The call of an unnamed Macedonian thus marks the Spirit-directed pivot of the gospel from Asia Minor to the Western world. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Acts 16:9 – The visionary “man of Macedonia” catalyzes Paul’s second missionary journey into Europe. Distinctive Traits of the Macedonian Believers Generous Giving Paul uses the Macedonian churches as the benchmark of sacrificial generosity: “In the severe trial brought by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed into rich generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2). Their giving sprang from grace, not surplus, providing a model for Christian stewardship. Zeal for Gospel Partnership From Lydia’s open house in Philippi (Acts 16:14-15) to Aristarchus risking his safety in Ephesus and accompanying Paul to Rome, Macedonians emerge as eager participants in mission work. Paul later testifies, “Even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need” (Philippians 4:16). Perseverance under Persecution Thessalonian believers “became imitators of us and of the Lord… in spite of severe suffering” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Their steadfastness encouraged other churches and validated the transforming power of the gospel among Gentiles. Macedonia’s Strategic Ministry Significance Gateway to Europe Crossing into Macedonia brought the gospel to the Roman colony of Philippi, the free city of Thessalonica, and the noble-minded populace of Berea. From these centers Christianity spread along the Via Egnatia to Illyricum (Romans 15:19) and eventually to Rome itself. Prototype of Local Church Networks Acts records assemblies in multiple Macedonian cities within a short span. These congregations communicated, shared resources, and jointly supported wider missions, furnishing an early template for inter-church cooperation. Test Case for Jew–Gentile Unity The Macedonian man’s plea broke cultural barriers, compelling a Jewish apostle to evangelize Hellenistic pagans. Paul later cites the Macedonians in his collection for Jerusalem, welding Gentile generosity to Jewish need and illustrating the “one body” reality of Ephesians 2:14-16. Theological Themes Illustrated by the Macedonians Divine Guidance and Human Responsiveness The vision in Troas underscores God’s sovereign orchestration of missionary advance and the necessity of obedient response. The rapid establishment of churches validates the wisdom of that guidance. Grace-Motivated Giving Paul never frames Macedonian generosity as law-keeping; instead, he points to “the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia” (2 Corinthians 8:1). Grace both initiates and empowers Christian liberality. Suffering as a Refining Fire Persecution did not extinguish Macedonian faith; it proved and amplified it (1 Thessalonians 2:14). Modern believers learn that hardship need not hinder gospel fruitfulness. Legacy in Church History Within centuries, Macedonia would host pivotal councils (such as at Serdica) and produce notable theologians. Yet its most enduring legacy remains the early believers whose faith, generosity, and partnership exemplify Spirit-wrought transformation. The “man of Macedonia” continues to remind the church that a single call for help, obeyed in faith, can redirect the course of nations. Forms and Transliterations Μακεδονας Μακεδόνας Μακεδονες Μακεδόνες Μακεδονος Μακεδόνος Μακεδοσιν Μακεδόσιν Μακεδων Μακεδών Makedon Makedōn Makedṓn Makedonas Makedónas Makedones Makedónes Makedonos Makedónos Makedosin MakedósinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 16:9 N-NMSGRK: ὤφθη ἀνὴρ Μακεδών τις ἦν NAS: a man of Macedonia was standing KJV: a man of Macedonia, and prayed INT: appeared A man of Macedonia certain was Acts 19:29 N-AMP Acts 27:2 N-GMS 2 Corinthians 9:2 N-DMP 2 Corinthians 9:4 N-NMP Strong's Greek 3110 |
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