Lexical Summary Nikopolis: Nikopolis Original Word: Νικόπολις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Nicopolis. From nikos and polis; victorious city; Nicopolis, a place in Macedonia -- Nicopolis. see GREEK nikos see GREEK polis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nikos and polis Definition "victorious city," Nicopolis, a city in Achaia NASB Translation Nicopolis (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3533: ΝικόπολιςΝικόπολις, Νικοπολισεως, ἡ (city of victory), Nicopolis: Titus 3:12. There were many cities of this name — in Armenia, Pontus, Cilicia, Epirus, Thrace — which were generally built, or had their name changed, by some conqueror to commemorate a victory. The one mentioned above seems to be that which Augustus founded on the promontory of Epirus, in grateful commemoration of the victory he won at Actium over Antony. The author of the spurious subscription of the Epistle seems to have had in mind the Thracian Nicopolis, founded by Trajan ((?) cf. Pape, Eigennamen, under the word) on the river Nestus (or Nessus), since he calls it a city 'of Macedonia.' (B. D. under the word.) Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning The single New Testament occurrence of Νικόπολις (Strong’s Greek 3533) points to a city whose very title—“City of Victory”—echoes triumph. Although Paul does not elaborate on the name, his use of it evokes both the recent military glories of the Roman Empire and the ultimate spiritual victory found in Christ. Geographical Setting Several ancient cities bore the name Nicopolis. The best‐attested candidate for Titus 3:12 lies in Epirus, on the western coast of Greece near the entrance to the Ambracian Gulf. Founded by Caesar Augustus to commemorate his victory at Actium (31 B.C.), this Nicopolis commanded a busy crossroads linking Italy, Macedonia, and Achaia. Its harbor, roads, and political stature made it an ideal base for missionary advance. Other locations—such as Nicopolis in Thrace or in Cilicia—have been proposed, yet their distance from Crete (Titus’s field of labor) and scant early Christian witness render them less probable. Historical Background Augustus populated Nicopolis with inhabitants from surrounding towns, endowed it with Roman civic privileges, and instituted quinquennial “Actian Games.” By Paul’s day the city flourished as a cultural and commercial hub, boasting gymnasia, temples, theaters, and an imperial presence. Jewish residents are attested epigraphically, and the cosmopolitan mix would have provided fertile soil for the gospel, mirroring Antioch and Corinth in diversity and opportunity. Biblical Usage Titus 3:12 stands as the lone biblical reference: “As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me in Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.” Paul writes from late autumn conditions, arranging ministry coverage for Crete and summoning Titus to join him for strategic planning during the winter lull when sea travel ceased. The verse illuminates Paul’s pastoral care, logistical foresight, and relational leadership. Paul’s Mission Strategy 1. Seasonal Wisdom: Wintering in Nicopolis avoided hazardous voyages (Acts 27:9–12) and preserved the health of his team. Theological Insights • Victory Reinterpreted: Rome’s “city of victory” becomes a staging ground for proclaiming Christ’s victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:57). Legacy in Church History By the second century Nicopolis hosted a bishopric; later councils list its representatives. Ruins of basilicas and Christian inscriptions testify that the gospel took root in the area, fulfilling in part Paul’s short‐term vision for a winter headquarters that blossomed into a lasting community of faith. Practical Application • Strategic Planning: Believers should prayerfully plan ministry within the limits of weather, resources, and personnel while trusting God for outcomes (Proverbs 16:9). Summary Nicopolis, remembered from a single verse, illustrates how a seemingly incidental travel note unveils the Apostle’s strategic heart, God’s providential use of historical events, and the enduring triumph of the gospel in every place. Forms and Transliterations Νικοπολιν Νικόπολιν Nikopolin NikópolinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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