Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Ptolemais, known in modern times as Acre or Akko, is a significant ancient city located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in present-day northern Israel. It holds historical and biblical importance, particularly in the context of the New Testament.Historical Background Ptolemais was originally a Phoenician settlement known as Akko. It was later renamed Ptolemais in honor of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, a ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, during the Hellenistic period. The city became a prominent center of trade and culture due to its strategic location along the coastal trade routes. Biblical Significance In the New Testament, Ptolemais is mentioned in the Book of Acts. The Apostle Paul visited the city during his missionary journeys. Acts 21:7 states, "When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day." This brief mention highlights the presence of a Christian community in Ptolemais and indicates the city's role as a stopover point for early Christian missionaries traveling through the region. Cultural and Religious Context Ptolemais, being a Hellenistic city, was influenced by Greek culture and religion. However, it also had a significant Jewish population, as evidenced by historical records and archaeological findings. The coexistence of different cultures and religions in Ptolemais reflects the broader cultural dynamics of the region during the Roman period. Archaeological Insights Excavations in Ptolemais have uncovered various artifacts and structures that provide insight into its historical and cultural significance. These include remnants of ancient fortifications, public buildings, and religious sites. The city's archaeological layers reveal a rich tapestry of influences from different periods, including Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine. Theological Reflections From a theological perspective, Ptolemais serves as a testament to the spread of Christianity beyond the traditional Jewish heartlands. The mention of Paul's visit underscores the early Church's mission to reach diverse communities across the Roman Empire. It also reflects the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities, as they supported and encouraged one another in their faith. Modern Relevance Today, Ptolemais, or Acre, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its historical and cultural heritage. It continues to be a place of interest for scholars, archaeologists, and pilgrims who seek to understand the rich history of the region and its biblical connections. Smith's Bible Dictionary Ptolemais[ACCHO] ATS Bible Dictionary PtolemaisSee ACCHO. Easton's Bible Dictionary A maritime city of Galilee (Acts 21:7). It was originally called "Accho" (q.v.), and received the name Ptolemais from Ptolemy Soter when he was in possession of Coele-Syria. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PTOLEMAIStol-e-ma'-is (Ptolemais): Same as "Acco" in Judges 1:31. Ptolemais was the most prominent town on the Phoenician seacoast in Maccabean times (1 Maccabees 5:15, 55; 10:1, 58, 60; 12:48), and is once mentioned in the New Testament in Acts 21:7 as a seaport at which Paul landed for one day, visiting the "brethren" in the place. Greek 4424. Ptolemais -- Ptolemais, a seaport south of Tyre ... 4423, 4424. Ptolemais. 4425 . Ptolemais, a seaport south of Tyre. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Ptolemais Phonetic ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4424.htm - 6k Library Acon. Ptolemais. How Alexander when He had Taken the Government Made an Expedition ... How Judas Subdued the Nations Round About; and How Simon Beat the ... Josephus Makes an Attempt Upon Sepphoris but is Repelled. Titus ... A Great Slaughter About Ascalon. Vespasian Comes to Ptolemais. Severian, Bishop of Gabales, and Antiochus, Bishop of Ptolemais. ... The West Coast of Galilee-Carmel. Caius Commands that his Statue Should be Set up in the Temple ... A Description of the Sea-Coast, Out of Pliny and Strabo. Acts XXI Thesaurus Ptolemais (2 Occurrences)... A maritime city of Galilee (Acts 21:7). It was originally called "Accho" (qv), and received the name Ptolemais from Ptolemy Soter when he was in possession of ... /p/ptolemais.htm - 7k Acco (2 Occurrences) Ladder (1 Occurrence) Gerrenians Tryphon Ptolema'is (1 Occurrence) Tyre (59 Occurrences) Voyage (5 Occurrences) Ummah (1 Occurrence) Jokneam (5 Occurrences) Resources What happened on Paul's third missionary journey? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ptolemais (2 Occurrences)Acts 21:7 Acts 21:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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