Ἀντιπατρίς

Antipatris

Definition

Antipatris was a city in ancient Judea, located on the coastal plain between Caesarea Maritima and Jerusalem. It was founded by Herod the Great and named in honor of his father, Antipater. In the New Testament, Antipatris is mentioned only in Acts 23:31, where it serves as a geographical marker on the route taken by Roman soldiers transporting the apostle Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea for his protection. The city functioned as a Roman colony and a strategic military station along a major road, facilitating travel and control in the region.

Biblical Usage

The word Ἀντιπατρίς appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 23:31. It is used strictly as a proper noun to identify a specific location. In this context, it denotes the city where the Roman soldiers escorting Paul spent the night during his transfer from Jerusalem to Caesarea, highlighting a key point on his journey to stand trial before Governor Felix.

Etymology

The name Ἀντιπατρίς is derived from the Greek personal name Ἀντίπατρος (Antipatros), meaning 'like the father' or 'in place of the father.' It is a compound of ἀντί (anti, meaning 'instead of' or 'like') and πατήρ (patēr, meaning 'father'). The city was named by Herod the Great in honor of his father, Antipater, who was a powerful political figure. The name reflects the Hellenistic practice of naming cities after rulers or their relatives.

Semantic Range

Antipatris was a Hellenistic city built by Herod the Great, reflecting his architectural ambitions and political strategy to honor his family and solidify Roman influence in Judea. Located on the Via Maris, an ancient trade route, it was a Roman colony and military outpost, which would have been understood by first-century readers as a symbol of Roman authority and infrastructure. Its mention in Acts 23:31 underscores the Roman judicial system's role in Paul's ministry, as he was moved under armed guard through secure, Roman-controlled territory for his safety and trial.

Καισάρεια (Kaisareia, G2542) — another major Roman city in Judea, but a coastal administrative capital where Paul was taken. Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosolyma, G2414) — Jerusalem, the religious center from which Paul was transported, contrasting with the secular Roman colony of Antipatris.

Word Details

Scripture References