The answer is: Philippi

Acts 16:12

Ah, Philippi – the city that held a special spot in Apostle Paul’s heart! Nestled in Macedonia, it was a major crossroads for trade and culture in the ancient world, which made it a bustling hub for new ideas, including Paul’s vibrant message of faith. Acts 16 brings us a vivid narrative, as Paul first meets Lydia—a remarkable woman, a dealer in purple cloth. Purple was the color of royalty, often expensive and elegant, and Lydia was likely quite a business mogul for her time!

Now, here’s an interesting twist: Lydia is often hailed as one of the very first converts to Christianity in Europe! Her baptism marked a significant turning point because it positioned Paul’s mission amidst cultural transitions across the Roman Empire. Side note: lightbulb moments during water narratives remind us of other biblical figures like John the Baptist and Jesus himself—who both used acts of baptism to signify new beginnings and reconnections with the Divine.

The house church that Lydia established in Philippi became an essential gathering place for early followers, showcasing how hospitality and community can thrive in even uncertain times. So the next time you think of Philippi, think not just of a city and a conversion, but of the launchpad it became for a movement that would spread across continents and centuries!