Lexical Summary Surakousai: Syracuse Original Word: Συράκουσαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Syracuse. Plural of uncertain derivation; Syracuse, the capital of Sicily -- Syracuse. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition Syracuse, a large maritime city of Sicily NASB Translation Syracuse (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4946: ΣυράκουσαιΣυράκουσαι (so accented commonly (Chandler §§ 172, 175); but according to Pape, Eigennamen, under the word, Συράκουσαι in Ptolemy, 3, 4, 9; 8, 9, 4), Συρακουσων, αἱ, Syracuse, a large maritime city of Sicily, having an excellent harbor and surrounded by a wall 180 stadia in length (so Strabo 6, p. 270; "but this statement exceeds the truth, the actual circuit being about 14 English miles or 122 stadia" (Leake, p. 279); see Dict. of Geogr. under the word, p. 1067b); now Siragosa: Acts 28:12. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Syracuse was the principal harbor on the eastern coast of Sicily, facing the Ionian Sea and lying almost directly on the main maritime route between Alexandria and Rome. Its great natural harbor, sheltered by the island of Ortygia, made it a favored anchorage for imperial grain ships and military vessels alike. The city’s position placed it at a strategic midpoint for voyages between the eastern Mediterranean and the capital, allowing for reprovisioning, repairs, and the exchange of news. Historical Background Founded in the eighth century BC by Corinthian colonists, Syracuse quickly rose to prominence among Magna Graecia’s settlements. It was home to tyrants such as Dionysius, hosted philosophers like Plato, and boasted engineering feats celebrated throughout classical antiquity. By the first century AD, it had long been absorbed into the Roman sphere, serving as the administrative capital of the province of Sicily. The city retained a thoroughly Hellenistic character—its language, architecture, and civic life reflecting its Greek roots—while simultaneously accommodating a strong Roman presence. Because Sicily was Rome’s first overseas province and chief supplier of grain, Syracuse enjoyed continual investment and protection, ensuring stable civic order and economic vitality when the apostle Paul arrived. Biblical Context and Exegetical Notes Acts 28 traces Paul’s final journey to Rome after the shipwreck on Malta. Luke records, “Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there three days” (Acts 28:12). The brevity of the notice belies a dense narrative backdrop: • Luke demonstrates intimate knowledge of contemporary sea-lanes; Syracuse was the obvious first stop after leaving Malta when winds permitted a northerly run toward the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Three-Day Sojourn of Paul Although Luke gives no details of ministry activity, it is reasonable to infer that Paul—consistent with his practice everywhere (Acts 17:2, Acts 18:4)—sought opportunities for witness: 1. Synagogue Presence: Archaeological evidence attests to Jewish communities throughout Sicily. A synagogue likely existed in Syracuse, offering Paul an immediate context to explain the hope of Israel now fulfilled in Messiah. Missiological Implications Syracuse illustrates Luke’s recurring theme of the gospel advancing along commercial arteries rather than political boundaries. Ports such as Troas, Puteoli, and now Syracuse functioned as conduits for both goods and grace. The three-day interlude demonstrates that significant kingdom work can occur in transient spaces: inns, docks, and marketplaces. Modern ministry among travelers, migrants, and seafarers finds ancient precedent here. Archaeological and Extra-Biblical Witness • Catacomb inscriptions and dedicatory plaques confirm a Jewish presence in Syracuse from at least the second century BC. Theological Reflection The narrative pause at Syracuse underscores God’s providential orchestration of Paul’s journey. Storms, shipwrecks, and schedules all ultimately served the divine mandate that Paul “must stand before Caesar” (Acts 27:24). Every harbor on the itinerary becomes a testament to the unstoppable progress of the Word. The silent days at Syracuse remind readers that many works of God are accomplished without extensive record, yet they are no less real or impactful. Lessons for Contemporary Ministry 1. Strategic Positioning: Like Syracuse of old, modern hubs—airports, universities, digital forums—afford unparalleled reach for gospel proclamation. By recording a simple stop at Syracuse, the Holy Spirit affirms that no detail in salvation history is incidental; every waypoint is woven into the tapestry of redemption, advancing the name of Jesus Christ from Jerusalem to “the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Forms and Transliterations Συρακουσας Συρακούσας Surakousas Syrakousas SyrakoúsasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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