Lexical Summary Amphipolis: Amphipolis Original Word: Ἀμφίπολις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Amphipolis. From the base of amphoteros and polis; a city surrounded by a river; Amphipolis, a place in Macedonia -- Amphipolis. see GREEK amphoteros see GREEK polis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as amphoteroi and polis Definition Amphipolis, a city in Macedonia NASB Translation Amphipolis (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 295: ἈμφίπολιςἈμφίπολις, (εως, ἡ, Amphipolis, the metropolis of Macedonia Prima (cf. B. D. under the word Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting and Historical Background Amphipolis lay on a bend of the Strymon River about five kilometers from the Aegean Sea, commanding a bridge that linked interior Macedonia to the coast. Founded by Athenians in the fifth century BC and captured by Philip II of Macedon in 357 BC, the city drew wealth from nearby timber, precious‐metal mines, and the grain trade that flowed down the Strymon valley. Its walls ran nearly in a circle, giving rise to the name Ἀμφίπολις, “around the city.” By New Testament times Amphipolis was a Roman colonia on the Via Egnatia, the military highway connecting the Adriatic with Byzantium, and therefore an inevitable waypoint for anyone traveling overland across northern Greece. Amphipolis in the New Testament Narrative Luke records one mention of the city on Paul’s second missionary journey: “Paul and Silas traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.” (Acts 17:1) The wording suggests an overnight stop rather than an extended ministry; nevertheless, Amphipolis marks a significant stage in the apostolic advance. Leaving Philippi, Paul covered about thirty‐three miles to Amphipolis, moved another thirty miles to Apollonia, and then about the same distance to Thessalonica. Each day’s trek fits the normal pace for travelers on the Via Egnatia, underscoring Luke’s reliability as a historian. Mission Strategy Illustrated 1. Use of Major Thoroughfares. The Via Egnatia allowed rapid movement and ready access to urban populations. Modern ministry still benefits from planting churches along natural traffic corridors—whether trade routes, digital networks, or academic centers. Archaeological and Later Christian Witness Excavations have uncovered a gymnasium, amphitheater, Roman houses with mosaics, and prominent city gates. Of special note are three large basilicas from the fifth and sixth centuries AD, indicating that a substantial Christian community took root within a few generations after Paul. Inscriptions mention bishops of Amphipolis attending regional councils, affirming ongoing ecclesiastical influence. Theological Reflections and Lessons • Providence in Geography. The gospel traversed political boundaries by means of Roman roads and free passage within the empire (Galatians 4:4). Related Biblical Themes and Connections Macedonia as a Whole: Acts 16–20; 2 Corinthians 8–9; Philippians 4:15-18. Travel on the Via Egnatia: Philippi (Acts 16:12), Apollonia (Acts 17:1), Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9), Berea (Acts 17:10-14). Hospitality to Itinerant Workers: 3 John 5-8; Romans 16:1-2. Summary Though Amphipolis receives only a fleeting mention, its strategic location along the Via Egnatia and later archaeological evidence tie the city to the unfolding account of the gospel’s spread from Jerusalem “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The brief reference in Acts 17:1 reminds readers that behind every city name stands a real community, and behind every itinerary stands the sovereign direction of God who ensures that no mile walked in service to Christ is wasted. Forms and Transliterations Αμφιπολιν Ἀμφίπολιν αμφιτάποις αμφιτάπους Amphipolin AmphípolinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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