Syracuse
Syracuse is an ancient city mentioned in the New Testament, located in the region of Italy in modern-day Italy. It appears across 1 verse in Scripture.
Biblical History
Syracuse appears in the New Testament in Acts 28:12 as a port of call on Paul's final voyage to Rome. After the dramatic shipwreck on Malta (Acts 27–28), Paul and his fellow passengers boarded an Alexandrian grain ship bearing the figurehead of the Twin Brothers (Castor and Pollux) and sailed northward through the Mediterranean. The ship put in at Syracuse, the greatest city of Sicily, where they stayed for three days before proceeding to Rhegium on the Italian mainland and then to Puteoli. Luke's inclusion of Syracuse in the precise itinerary reflects his careful attention to geographical detail throughout Acts and lends authenticity to the travel narrative. While the text records no preaching or incident at Syracuse, Paul's brief presence there places the apostle within one of the ancient world's most storied cities. The three-day stop was likely determined by weather or logistical considerations for the grain vessel. Syracuse thus occupies a quiet but historically significant place in Paul's journey — part of the providential chain of events that brought the gospel's most influential messenger to the capital of the empire.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
Ancient Syracuse (modern Siracusa, Sicily) was founded as a Corinthian colony around 734 BC and became one of the most powerful and culturally sophisticated cities of the ancient Mediterranean world. Archaeological remains are exceptionally well preserved and include the monumental Greek theater (5th century BC), the Roman amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysius cave, and the extensive Neapolis archaeological park. The ancient harbor where Paul's ship would have anchored is still in use as Siracusa's harbor. The site of the ancient urban core on the island of Ortygia preserves the Temple of Apollo and the Cathedral, which incorporates the columns of the Temple of Athena. Syracuse is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Verse Appearances (1)
Acts
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →