Luke recorded Paul"s ministry in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea to continue his history of Jesus" works in Macedonia. [source][source][source]
The Macedonians were a distinct national group, though they had strong ties to the Greeks. They had offered the most stubborn resistance against Rome"s efforts to extend its influence. In an attempt to break down their strong nationalistic spirit of independence, Rome divided Macedonian territory into four districts each of which had its own local government under Rome. We see this stubborn character in the Macedonians" reaction to Paul"s preaching. Nevertheless once won over, the Macedonian converts became just as loyal to Paul as they had been hostile to him at first. [source][source][source]