Lexical Summary Sópatros: Sopater Original Word: Σώπατρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sopater. From the base of sozo and pater; of a safe father; Sopatrus, a Christian -- Sopater. Compare Sosipatros. see GREEK sozo see GREEK pater see GREEK Sosipatros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as sózó and from patér Definition "of a safe father," Sopater, a Christian from Berea NASB Translation Sopater (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4986: ΣώπατροςΣώπατρος, Σωπατρου, ὁ (cf. Winers Grammar, 103 (97)), Sopater, a Christian, one of Paul's companions: Acts 20:4. (See Σωσίπατρος.) Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence The name Σώπατρος appears once in the New Testament: “He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius of Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia” (Acts 20:4). Background and Identity Sopater comes from Berea in Macedonia, a city noted for believers who “received the word with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day” (Acts 17:11). Luke adds that Sopater’s father was Pyrrhus, indicating a family of some standing. The naming of his father suggests credibility within the church and recognition among the broader Macedonian community. Historical Context and Journey with Paul Acts 20 records the closing phase of Paul’s third missionary journey. After ministering in Greece, Paul intended to sail for Syria but altered his route because of a Jewish plot (Acts 20:3). Sopater and six other trusted coworkers accompanied Paul as he traveled back through Macedonia and Asia Minor, finally regrouping at Troas (Acts 20:5–6). Their presence supplied accountability, encouragement, and protection for both Paul and the considerable financial offering being conveyed to Jerusalem. Contribution to the Offering for Jerusalem Multiple churches had collected funds for impoverished believers in Judea (Romans 15:25–26; 1 Corinthians 16:1–4; 2 Corinthians 8–9). Representatives from those contributing regions traveled with Paul to ensure the integrity of the process. Sopater, representing Berea and perhaps wider Macedonian congregations, helped safeguard the gift and testify to its proper distribution. His involvement models transparent stewardship and cooperative ministry between diverse churches. Possible Identification with Sosipater Romans 16:21 greets a Sosipater whom Paul calls “my kinsman.” The similarity of names, the shared Macedonian background, and the linking of both men to Paul’s circle lead many scholars to regard Sopater and Sosipater as the same individual, the shorter form reflecting a common linguistic variation. If so, Sopater remained active with Paul even after the third journey, lending continuity to his service. Ministry Significance 1. Trusted Delegate: Paul selected Sopater for a delicate mission requiring reliability. The apostle’s confidence indicates Sopater’s maturity and proven character. The Berean Connection Luke’s earlier description of the Bereans’ diligence in Scripture underscores the formative environment that likely shaped Sopater. Immersed in a congregation that loved the Word and tested teachings, he would have carried that devotion into his wider service. His life thus exemplifies how sound local discipleship equips believers for broader kingdom assignments. Legacy in Church Tradition Later ecclesiastical writings remember Sopater (or Sosipater) as a missionary bishop, particularly in regions of today’s Greece and Bosnia. While extra-biblical, such traditions affirm early recognition of his evangelistic zeal. Whether or not every detail is verifiable, the core portrait of a faithful companion to Paul endures. Lessons and Applications • Faithful Service in the Shadows: Though mentioned only briefly, Sopater’s quiet reliability advanced a pivotal ministry endeavor. Not every servant receives prolonged narrative attention, yet each one is indispensable. Sopater’s single appearance in Acts serves as a window into the collaborative, accountable, and courageous character of early Christian ministry and invites modern believers to similar devotion. Forms and Transliterations Σωπατρος Σώπατρος Sopatros Sōpatros SṓpatrosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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