Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Syracuse, an ancient city located on the eastern coast of the island of Sicily, holds a notable place in biblical history due to its mention in the New Testament. The city was a prominent Greek colony founded in the 8th century BC and later became a significant center of trade and culture in the Mediterranean region. By the time of the Apostle Paul, Syracuse was under Roman control, having been conquered in 212 BC.Biblical Reference: Syracuse is mentioned in the Book of Acts during the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome. After Paul had been shipwrecked on the island of Malta, he continued his voyage to Rome, stopping at Syracuse along the way. Acts 28:12 states, "Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there three days." This brief mention indicates that Syracuse was a stopover point for Paul and his companions as they traveled by sea. Historical and Cultural Context: During the time of Paul's visit, Syracuse was a thriving city known for its strategic harbor and its role as a hub of commerce and navigation. The city was famous for its architectural and cultural achievements, including the grand theater and the Temple of Athena. As a Roman city, Syracuse would have been a melting pot of Greek and Roman influences, with a diverse population that included Jews and early Christians. Religious Significance: While the Bible does not provide details about Paul's activities in Syracuse, it is reasonable to infer that his presence there would have been an opportunity for the spread of the Gospel. The early Christian church was known for its missionary zeal, and Paul's journey to Rome was marked by his consistent efforts to preach and teach about Jesus Christ. The three-day stay in Syracuse, though brief, may have allowed for interactions with local believers or the establishment of new connections that contributed to the growth of Christianity in the region. Archaeological Insights: Archaeological discoveries in Syracuse have provided insights into the city's rich history during the Roman period. Excavations have uncovered remnants of the ancient city, including its fortifications, public buildings, and places of worship. These findings help to paint a picture of the environment in which Paul and his companions would have found themselves during their visit. Legacy: Syracuse's mention in the Book of Acts, though brief, underscores the interconnectedness of the early Christian world and the expansive reach of the Roman Empire. The city's role as a waypoint in Paul's journey to Rome highlights the practical realities of travel and communication in the ancient world, as well as the providential guidance that accompanied the spread of the Gospel message. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary SyracuseSmith's Bible Dictionary Syracusethe celebrated city on the eastern coast of Sicily. "The city in its splendor was the largest and richest that the Greeks possessed in any part of the world, being 22 miles in circumference." St. Paul arrived thither in an Alexandrian ship from Melita, on his voyage to Rome. (Acts 28:12) The site of Syracuse rendered it a convenient place for the African corn-ships to touch at, for the harbor was an excellent one, and the fountain Arethusa in the island furnished an unfailing supply of excellent water. ATS Bible Dictionary SyracuseNow Siracasa, a large and celebrated city on the eastern coast of Sicily, furnished with a capacious and excellent harbor. The city, founded 734 B. C., was opulent and powerful, and was divided into four or five quarters or districts, which were of themselves separate cities. The whole circumference is stated by Strabo to have been one hundred and eighty stadia, or about twenty-two English miles. Syracuse is celebrated as having been the birthplace and residence of Archimedes, whose ingenious mechanical contrivances during its siege by the Romans, 200 B. C., long delayed its capture. Paul passed three days here, on his way from Melita to Rome, in the spring of A. D. 63, Acts 28:12. Population anciently 200,000; now 11,000. Easton's Bible Dictionary A city on the south-east coast of Sicily, where Paul landed and remained three days when on his way to Rome (Acts 28:12). It was distinguished for its magnitude and splendour. It is now a small town of some 13,000 inhabitants. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A red wine of Italy.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SYRACUSEsir'-a-kus, sir-a-kus' (Surakousai; Latin Syracusae, Ital. Siracusa): Situated on the east coast of Sicily, about midway between Catania and the southeastern extremity of the island. Greek 4946. Surakousai -- Syracuse, a large maritime city of Sicily ... Syracuse, a large maritime city of Sicily. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Surakousai Phonetic Spelling: (soo-rak'-oo-sahee) Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4946.htm - 6k Library Epistle vii. To Maximianus, Bishop of Syracuse . Epistle Lix. To John, Bishop of Syracuse . Epistle xii. To John, Bishop of Syracuse. Epistle xxxiv. To Maximianus, Bishop of Syracuse. Epistle xxi. To John, Bishop of Syracuse. Epistle xxiii. To John, Bishop of Syracuse. Epistle xxxvi. To John, Bishop of Syracuse . Epistle xxx. To Venantius, Ex-Monk, Patrician of Syracuse . Epistle xxxiv. To Venantius, Ex-Monk, Patrician of Syracuse . Acts of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Thesaurus Syracuse (1 Occurrence)...SYRACUSE. sir'-a-kus, sir-a-kus' (Surakousai; Latin Syracusae, Ital. ... Henceforth Syracuse was the capital of the Roman province of Sicily. ... /s/syracuse.htm - 9k Rhegium (1 Occurrence) Landed (10 Occurrences) Landing (4 Occurrences) Isle (15 Occurrences) Island (16 Occurrences) Tarried (42 Occurrences) Dioscuri (1 Occurrence) Synzygus Touching (121 Occurrences) Resources Does the Bible support eugenics? | GotQuestions.orgSyracuse: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Syracuse (1 Occurrence)Acts 28:12 Subtopics Related Terms |