1. a city situated between Joppa and Caesarea, in a very fertile region, not far from the coast; rebuilt by Herod the Great and named Antipatris in honour of his father Antipater

What is the historical significance of Antipatris in the Bible?

Antipatris is a significant location mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly in the book of Acts. The name Antipatris is of Greek origin, derived from the words ‘anti’, meaning “against” or “opposed to,” and ‘pater,’ meaning “father.” Therefore, Antipatris can be interpreted as “against the father” or “opposed to the father” in Greek.

In the Bible, Antipatris is associated with the travels of the apostle Paul. According to Acts 23:31-32, Antipatris was one of the stops along the route where Paul was being escorted by Roman soldiers from Jerusalem to Caesarea for his safety. The city served as a strategic military outpost established by Herod the Great and named in honor of his father, Antipater.

The historical significance of Antipatris lies in its role as a key location in the Roman road network during ancient times. Situated approximately halfway between Jerusalem and Caesarea, Antipatris served as a crucial resting point for travelers and a strategic military stronghold for the Roman Empire. The city’s geographic location made it an ideal stopover for officials and prisoners being transported between Jerusalem and Caesarea.

Furthermore, the mention of Antipatris in the Bible highlights the meticulous attention to detail in the historical accounts provided in the book of Acts. The inclusion of specific locations, such as Antipatris, not only adds credibility to the narrative but also offers valuable insights into the geographical and political landscape of the ancient world.

What biblical events took place in Antipatris? And what does Antipatris mean in Greek in Context of the Bible

Located in central Israel, Antipatris was an ancient city mentioned in the Bible in the New Testament. The name Antipatris has its roots in Greek and holds significance in biblical history.

In the book of Acts, Antipatris is mentioned in connection with the Apostle Paul’s journey from Jerusalem to Caesarea. As narrated in Acts 23:31-33, Paul, under Roman escort, was sent by night to Antipatris as a protective measure due to a plot against his life. This event highlights the strategic importance of Antipatris as a resting point along major trade routes and a place of refuge.

The name Antipatris itself can be broken down in Greek to “anti” meaning against or opposed to, and “patris” meaning fatherland or homeland. Therefore, the name Antipatris conveys the idea of being against one’s homeland or opposing the fatherland, potentially alluding to the city’s establishment or the events that took place there.

Furthermore, the significance of Antipatris in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the journeys and challenges faced by early Christians, such as Paul, as they spread the message of Christianity throughout the ancient world. The presence of Antipatris in the biblical account provides a glimpse into the historical context and geographical locations mentioned in the New Testament.

How does Antipatris reflect cultural and geographical context in the Bible?

Antipatris is a significant location mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. The city is only referenced once in the Bible in Acts 23:31, where it is written: “Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.” To truly understand the cultural and geographical relevance of Antipatris in the Bible, we must delve into the meaning of the name itself in Greek.

In Greek, the name “Antipatris” is derived from the combination of two words: “anti,” which means “against” or “opposite,” and “Pater,” which translates to “father.” This combination of words suggests a connection to the historical figure Herod the Great, who named the city after his father, Antipater. Herod the Great was a key figure in Biblical history, known for his ambitious building projects and ruthless rule in Judea during the time of Jesus.

The location of Antipatris also holds significance in terms of its cultural and geographical context in the Bible. Antipatris was situated around 35 miles northwest of Jerusalem, strategically located on the road from Jerusalem to Caesarea. This positioning made it a crucial stopping point for travelers and soldiers during ancient times, highlighting its importance in the transportation network of the region.

Additionally, the city of Antipatris was known for its Roman influence and design, showcasing the cultural assimilation of Roman architecture and customs in the Judean region. This cultural amalgamation is reflective of the broader historical context of Roman occupation in Judea during the time of the New Testament.

Furthermore, the mention of Antipatris in the Book of Acts serves as a geographical marker in the narrative of the Apostle Paul’s journey. The city’s role as a temporary refuge for Paul on his way to Caesarea underscores its practical function within the Biblical account, emphasizing the interconnectedness of cultural, geographical, and historical elements in shaping the narrative of the early Christian Church.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the significance of the name Antipatris in the context of the Bible sheds light on the historical and cultural landscape of the time. Derived from the Greek word “Antipatris,” meaning “in the face of the father,” the name Antipatris signifies a place of authority and dominance. In Acts 23:31, Antipatris serves as a strategic location where the Roman authorities safeguard Paul on his journey to Caesarea. This reinforces the theme of divine protection and providence in the face of adversity. Understanding the meaning of Antipatris in Greek provides a deeper insight into the biblical narrative and underscores the importance of linguistic and cultural nuances in biblical interpretation.