Macedonia

MACEDO'NIA (extended land), a noted country and kingdom lying north Map of Macedonia. of Greece. The kingdom was founded about b.c. 814, and became famous in the world's history in the time of its great rulers, Philip and Alexander. It was the first part of Europe which received the gospel, and hence its importance in biblical history. Situation and Extent. — The boundaries of Macedonia varied at different periods, but in N.T. times Macedonia may be described as bounded on the north by the range of Haemus or the Balkan Mountains, separating it from Moesia; on the east by Thrace and the AEgean Sea; on the south by the province of Achaia (Greece); on the west by Epirus and Illyricum, from which it was separated by the Pindus range. Physical Features. — Macedonia is situated in a great basin nearly surrounded by the mountains and the sea. There are two great plains, one watered by the river Axius, whose mouth is near Thessalonica, and the other by the Strymon, which flows into the AEgean Sea below Amphipolis. Between the mouths of these two rivers projects a peninsula divided into three points, on one of which is Mount Athos, whose peak rises nearly into the region of perpetual snow. Across the neck of this peninsula ran the great road (Via Ignatia) along which Paul and his companions passed. History. — Macedonia is a name familiar to school-children in connection with King Philip of Macedon and his son Alexander the Great. The third great world-kingdom, the Macedonian empire, received its name from this comparatively little spot. Comp. Dan 8:5-8, 2 Chr 11:21. The Romans conquered the territory from Perseus. It was at first divided into four districts, afterward consolidated into one with its capital at Thessalonica,where the proconsul resided. There are numerous allusions to the Macedonians in the books of the Maccabees. In N.T. history Macedonia holds an important place because of the labors of the apostles. Paul was called there by the vision of the "man of Macedonia," and made a most successful missionary-tour. Acts 16:10; Acts 17:1-12. He visited it again, Acts 20:1-6. and probably for a third time. Comp. 1 Tim 1:3; Phil 2:24. His Epistles to the Thessalonians and Philippians show that the Macedonian Christians exhibited many excellent traits. The details of his work can be studied in connection with the cities of Macedonia visited by him. See Neapolis, Philippi, Apollonia, Thessalonica, Berea. Macedonia has been for many years under the control of the Turks, and is called Makadonia. MACHAE'RUS is not mentioned in the Bible, but is supposed to be the castle in which John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded. It is nine miles east of the Dead Sea. Mark 6:21-29.