Philippi was a Roman colony on a main highway called the Egnatian Way. It was a chief city of Macedonia (Acts 16:12). The citizens of Philippi were primarily pagan worshippers. The first converts who made up the first church were faced with incredible persecution. The early believers were growing so fast that they were accused of turning their world upside down. Both political leaders and religious leaders fearing the Christians opposed them at every opportunity. In spite of the opposition, a well organized church was established in Philippi.