Lexical Summary Sekoundos: Secundus Original Word: Σεκοῦνδος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Secundus. Of Latin origin; "second"; Secundus, a Christian -- Secundus. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition "second," Secundus, a Christian of Thessalonica NASB Translation Secundus (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4580: ΣεκοῦνδοςΣεκοῦνδος, T WH Σεκοῦνδος (Chandler §§ 233, 235), Σεκουνδου, ὁ (a Latin word), Secundus, a certain man of Thessalonica: Acts 20:4. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Appearance The name Secundus is found once in the Greek New Testament, in Acts 20:4, within Luke’s concise roster of companions who accompanied Paul on the return leg of the third missionary journey: “He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia” (Acts 20:4). New Testament Context Acts 19–21 records Paul’s lengthy Ephesian ministry, the outbreak of the silver-smith riot, his determination to go to Jerusalem with the collection for the poor saints (Romans 15:25–26; 1 Corinthians 16:1–4), and his circuitous northward route through Macedonia and Greece. Luke’s catalog of fellow-travelers in Acts 20:4 therefore serves a practical and theological purpose: 1. To show the unity of diverse Gentile churches that now stand with Jerusalem. Historical Background “Secundus” was a common Roman slave or freedman name meaning “Second.” Thessalonica, his home city, was a large free port and the capital of Macedonia. It fostered a cosmopolitan population where Latin nomenclature mixed with Greek culture. Luke’s mention of two Thessalonian believers—Aristarchus and Secundus—demonstrates the deep reach of the gospel into that metropolis (Acts 17:1–9) and confirms the reliability of Paul’s epistles to the Thessalonians, which reveal a vibrant church marked by faith, love, and endurance under persecution (1 Thessalonians 1:2–10; 2 Thessalonians 1:3–4). Role in Pauline Ministry Although Scripture records no words or deeds of Secundus beyond his travel with Paul, his presence is significant: • Representative Delegate: 1 Corinthians 16:3–4 indicates Paul’s plan for churches to appoint their own representatives to carry the gift to Jerusalem. Secundus likely fulfilled that role for Thessalonica. • Faithful Companion: The journey from Corinth through Macedonia, across the Aegean, and on to Jerusalem spanned months and entailed danger from both robbers and opponents (Romans 15:30–31). Secundus’ decision to accompany Paul bespeaks spiritual maturity, courage, and a reputation for integrity. • Witness to Doctrine: As Paul taught “all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) to the Ephesian elders at Miletus, Secundus heard first-hand apostolic instruction destined to shape the Church’s understanding of shepherd leadership and perseverance. Geographical and Cultural Insight Thessalonica’s strategic placement on the Via Egnatia linked Rome to the eastern provinces. Believers traveling that thoroughfare would carry letters, news, and doctrinal teaching. Secundus therefore represents the mobility of early Christianity: converts did not remain cloistered but moved along commercial routes, turning economic arteries into channels for the gospel. Theological Significance 1. Unity in Diversity: The list in Acts 20:4 spans Macedonia, Galatia, and Asia. Secundus, bearing a Latin name yet hailing from a Greek city, illustrates how Christ “has made both one” (Ephesians 2:14). Lessons for Contemporary Church • Local churches should raise up trustworthy members who can be sent on behalf of the congregation for mercy ministries, missions, or theological consultation. Cross-References and Parallels • Aristarchus, Secundus’ fellow Thessalonian, appears again in Acts 27:2 and Colossians 4:10, underscoring Thessalonica’s ongoing partnership with Paul. Summary Secundus stands as a modest yet indispensable figure whose single recorded act—accompanying Paul with the relief offering—embodies unity, accountability, and servant-hearted commitment. Though mentioned only once, his life invites believers to embrace humble tasks that advance the mission of Christ and knit together the global body of faith. Forms and Transliterations Σεκουνδος Σεκοῦνδος Σέκουνδος Sekoundos SékoundosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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