Antipatris: A City in Samaria
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Antipatris was an ancient city located in the region of Samaria, known for its strategic position and historical significance during the Roman period. The city is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the context of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome.

Historical Background

Antipatris was originally built by Herod the Great, who named it in honor of his father, Antipater. The city was strategically situated on the coastal plain, approximately halfway between Jerusalem and Caesarea Maritima. This location made it an important stop along the Roman road system, particularly the Via Maris, which connected Egypt with the northern territories of the Roman Empire.

Biblical Reference

The city of Antipatris is mentioned in the Book of Acts, during the account of Paul's transfer from Jerusalem to Caesarea. After Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and faced threats against his life, the Roman commander decided to send him to Governor Felix in Caesarea for his protection and trial. The account in Acts 23:31-32 states: "So the soldiers followed their orders and brought Paul by night to Antipatris. The next day they returned to the barracks and let the horsemen go on with him."

This passage highlights Antipatris as a key waypoint on the journey from Jerusalem to Caesarea, underscoring its role as a military and logistical hub in the Roman network.

Archaeological Insights

Modern archaeological excavations have identified the site of Antipatris with the ruins at Tel Afek, near the Yarkon River. Excavations have revealed remnants of Roman roads, fortifications, and other structures that attest to the city's significance during the Roman era. The presence of these ruins corroborates the biblical account of Antipatris as a well-fortified and strategically important location.

Cultural and Religious Significance

In the context of the New Testament narrative, Antipatris serves as a backdrop to the unfolding account of the early Christian church and the spread of the Gospel. The city's mention in the Acts of the Apostles provides insight into the challenges faced by early Christians, including the Apostle Paul, as they navigated the political and social landscapes of the Roman Empire.

Antipatris, as a city in Samaria, also reflects the complex cultural and religious dynamics of the region during the first century. Samaria was a land of mixed populations, including Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles, each with distinct religious practices and beliefs. The presence of a Roman city in this area further illustrates the intersection of Roman authority and local traditions.

Conclusion

Antipatris stands as a testament to the historical and biblical narratives of the New Testament period. Its mention in the Book of Acts provides a glimpse into the Roman infrastructure that facilitated the movement of people and ideas across the empire, including the spread of Christianity. The city's archaeological remains continue to offer valuable insights into the ancient world and the early Christian era.
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Acts 23:31
Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.
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Library

Antipatris. Caphar Salama.
... by night towards Antipatris,""you must place that city much nearer ... an encomium could
reach as far as Antipatris, almost in the middle of Samaria, as it is ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 58 antipatris caphar salama.htm

Fragment xvii. On the Fortunes of Hyrcanus and Antigonus, and on ...
... city of the Gabinii, [1123] the ancient Samaria, and called ... the tower of Strato,
into a city, he named ... And afterwards he founded Antipatris in the Lydian plain ...
/.../africanus/the writings of julius africanus/fragment xvii on the fortunes.htm

From the Talmud and Hebraica
... Chapter 46 The country of Jericho, and the situation of the City. Chapter 47 Jericho
itself. ... Chapter 56 Samaria. Sychem. ... Chapter 58 Antipatris. Caphar Salama. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/

How Vespasian Upon Hearing of Some Commotions in Gall, Made Haste ...
... of his army, and led it from Cesarea to Antipatris, where he ... Emmaus, whence he came
down through the country of Samaria, and hard by the city, by others ...
/.../chapter 8 how vespasian upon.htm

How Antiochus, who was Called Dionysus, and after Him Aretas Made ...
... beginning at Chabarzaba, which is now called Antipatris, to the ... and when he had taken
the city by fighting ... and Marissa; near the country of Samaria, Mount Carmel ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 how antiochus who.htm

Of the [Temple And] Cities that were Built by Herod and Erected ...
... beautiful wall round a country in Samaria, twenty furlongs ... a monument for his father,
even that city which he ... and trees in abundance, and named it Antipatris. ...
/.../chapter 21 of the temple.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... in its non-Jewish cities; towns rebuilt or built: Sebaste for the ancient Samaria,
the splendid city and harbour of C??sarea in the west, Antipatris (after his ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

In Palestine - Jews and Gentiles in the Land' - their Mutual ...
... Thus, Herod himself built Sebaste (Samaria), in the centre ... to avoid passing through
a city where there ... built other cities, such as Antipatris, Cypros, Phasaelis ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in palestine -.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... and other pilgrims to the city, and by it ... mounted soldiers leaving him at Antipatris,
about twenty ... Galilee to Jerusalem, straight through Samaria, branching at ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... executed, 218. Antipatris, built, i.119. ... Shaul, Abba, curse pronounced by, i.372.
Shechem, real capital of Samaria, i.397, 398; the city of fools,' 400; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

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Antipatris or Antipatris
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