Lexical Summary Samothraké: Samothrace Original Word: Σαμοθρᾴκη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Samothracia. From Samos and Thraike (Thrace); Samo-thrace (Samos of Thrace), an island in the Mediterranean -- Samothracia. see GREEK Samos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Samos and Thraké (Thrace) Definition "Samos of Thrace," Samothrace, an island in the Aegean NASB Translation Samothrace (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4543: ΣαμοθρᾴκηΣαμοθρᾴκη (Σαμοθρᾴκη Rbez elz G (as here and there in secular authors; see Pape, Eigennamen, under the word); according to some 'height of Thrace', according to others 'Thracian Samos' (cf. Σάμος); other opinions see in Pape, the passage cited), Σαμοθρακης, ἡ, Samothrace, an island of the Aegean Sea, about 38 miles distant from the coast of Thrace where the river Hebrus empties into the sea (Pliny, h. n. 4, 12 (23)) (now Samothraki): Acts 16:11. Topical Lexicon Geographic Setting Samothrace is a steep, conical island in the northern Aegean Sea, roughly midway between the Asian-minor port of Troas and the Macedonian harbor of Neapolis. Rising to almost 1,611 m at Mount Saos, it was a prominent waypoint for ancient ships. Its rocky shores offered anchorage but no large harbor, so vessels commonly put in overnight and continued on with the dawn breeze. Historical Background The island was settled by Thracians and colonists from the Ionian island of Samos, hence its compound name. It passed from Persian to Athenian, then Macedonian hands, and finally entered the Roman sphere (168 B.C.). In New Testament times it enjoyed the privileges of a free city within the province of Macedonia. Religious Climate Samothrace was famous for the Samothracian Mysteries, secret rites dedicated to the “Great Gods.” Initiation was believed to grant divine protection, especially for sailors. Pilgrims from every corner of the Greco-Roman world visited the sanctuary, making the island a spiritual as well as nautical crossroads. The discovery of the marble “Nike of Samothrace” underscores the island’s association with victory, protection, and maritime success. Samothrace in Acts 16:11 “Putting out to sea from Troas, we sailed a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis.” (Acts 16:11) This solitary biblical reference appears on Paul’s second missionary journey, immediately after the Macedonian vision (Acts 16:9-10). The direct course and overnight stop reveal: • Favorable winds granted by God’s providence, allowing a fast crossing of roughly 125 nautical miles. The party did not linger to evangelize—a reminder that not every location along a route is a field for sustained ministry. Paul’s goal was Philippi, a strategic Roman colony where a church could influence the wider region (Acts 16:12 f.). Related Passages and Routes Acts 20:6 shows the same corridor in reverse at the close of the third journey, though contrary winds stretched the voyage to five days, highlighting the “straight” crossing of Acts 16:11. Together the verses affirm Luke’s accuracy and the geographical reality of first-century travel. Ministry and Theological Significance 1. Gospel Advance into Europe. Samothrace marks the physical midpoint of the church’s first recorded step onto European soil, illustrating the unstoppable progress of the word of God (Acts 1:8). Archaeology and Modern Relevance Excavations have laid bare the sanctuary complex, stoas, and theater where initiates once gathered. These finds corroborate Samothrace’s reputation and provide vivid backdrop to Luke’s travel note. Modern pilgrims can stand where Paul’s ship likely lay at anchor, visualizing the moment the gospel poised to reach Macedonia. Key Themes for Study and Teaching • Discernment in mission strategy—knowing when to pause and when to press on. Though named only once, Samothrace forms a crucial stepping-stone in salvation history, witnessing to the faithfulness of the Lord who opens doors “that no one can shut” (Revelation 3:8). Forms and Transliterations Σαμοθρᾴκην Samothrā́iken Samothrā́ikēn Samothraken SamothrakēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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