Neapolis
Carousel of images for this Bible Exhibit
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus’ baptism is depicted in the 19th-century painting. John the Baptist is wearing traditional robes made of camel hair, pouring water over Jesus, who stands before him. The dove from heaven has descended on Jesus, representing the Holy Spirit's presence.
The Spirit Descending on Jesus
This painting from 1895 shows John the Baptist pouring water over Jesus, whose head is illuminated, representing his divine nature. The Holy Spirit, represented by the dove, is descending on Jesus.
The Baptism of Christ
This Renaissance painting from 1591 imagines the scene at the Jordan River where John the Baptizer is pouring water over Jesus as the dove descends from God the Father, pictured in the clouds.
The Baptism of Christ
This Baroque period painting from 1622-1623 imagines the scene of John pouring water over Jesus while the Spirit descends in the form of a dove.
The Baptism of Christ
This 19th-century painting depicts God’s light shining down on Jesus as he rises up out of the water.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The baptism site known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” ruins on the eastern side of the Jordan River across from Jericho. This location has been preserved as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
The Baptism Site of Jesus
This is a side view of Jesus’ baptism site, known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho.
The Modern Jordan River
This picture is of the modern Jordan River near the traditional baptismal site. In Jesus' day, the river would have been significantly wider with a greater water flow.
A Monument Marking Jesus’ Baptism
A cross marking the area of Jesus' baptism site overlooking the Jordan River.
St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
This is one of several churches or chapels rebuilt in this area, marking Jesus’ baptism.
Listen to this Bible Exhibit
Neapolis, meaning New City in Greek, was a significant seaport in the ancient world. Located on the northern shore of the Aegean Sea, on a stretch of land between two bays, it served as the primary harbor for Philippi, a city about ten miles inland. Today, Neapolis is identified with the modern Greek town of Kavalla. Its strategic location made it an important center for trade and military activity throughout history.
Originally, Neapolis belonged to Thrace before becoming part of the Athenian Confederacy and later the Roman province of Macedonia. The city played a role in the famous Battle of Philippi in 42 BC when the fleet of Brutus and Cassius used its harbor. Its importance continued into the early Christian period, as it became the gateway for the gospel’s expansion into Europe.
The most notable biblical event associated with Neapolis is the arrival of the apostle Paul on his second missionary journey. In response to a vision in which a man from Macedonia pleaded for help, Paul and his companions, including Luke, sailed from Troas, stopped briefly at Samothrace, and then arrived at Neapolis Acts 16:9-11. This marked the first recorded entry of the gospel into Europe. From Neapolis, Paul traveled to Philippi, where he preached, baptized Lydia, cast out a spirit from a slave girl, and was imprisoned before experiencing a miraculous release Acts 16:12-40.
Paul likely passed through Neapolis again on his third missionary journey when he traveled through Macedonia Acts 20:1. He also would have embarked from there on his final journey to Troas Acts 20:6. The Egnatian Way, a major Roman road connecting the Adriatic Sea to Byzantium, began at Neapolis, making it a natural transit point for travelers and missionaries spreading the gospel.
In later centuries, Neapolis became known as Christopolis, reflecting its Christian heritage. Archaeological evidence, including the remains of a Roman aqueduct and inscriptions, confirms its historical and biblical significance. The city’s connection to Paul’s missionary work highlights its role in expanding Christianity. Neapolis was more than a mere port; it was where Paul first stepped onto European soil, bringing the message of Jesus Christ to a new continent.
This Bible Exhibit is one of the several hundred found on the Bible Compass within the Bible Ventures app
