Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Geographical Context: Samothracia, also known as Samothrace, is a small, rugged island located in the northern Aegean Sea. It lies off the coast of Thrace, near the mouth of the Hebrus River (modern-day Maritsa or Evros). The island is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with Mount Saos being its highest peak, often shrouded in mist and clouds. The island's strategic location made it a notable landmark for ancient mariners navigating the Aegean Sea. Biblical Reference: Samothracia is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys. In the Book of Acts, it is recorded that Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, traveled to Samothracia during his second missionary journey. The relevant passage is found in Acts 16:11: "We sailed from Troas and made a straight run to Samothrace, and the following day on to Neapolis" . This brief mention highlights the island as a stopover point on their journey from Troas to the region of Macedonia. Historical and Cultural Significance: In antiquity, Samothracia was renowned for its religious significance, particularly the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, which was a major center for the mystery religions of the ancient world. The island was a place of pilgrimage, where initiates participated in secretive rites believed to offer protection at sea and promise of a blessed afterlife. These mysteries were highly regarded and attracted visitors from across the Greek and Roman worlds. Religious Context: While the Bible does not provide extensive details about the activities of Paul and his companions on Samothracia, the island's mention underscores the broader context of Paul's mission to spread the Gospel across diverse regions. The journey through Samothracia to Neapolis and eventually to Philippi marks the beginning of the Gospel's expansion into Europe, a significant development in the early Christian church. Archaeological Insights: Archaeological excavations on Samothracia have uncovered remnants of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, including temples, altars, and other structures associated with the mystery cults. These findings provide valuable insights into the religious practices and cultural interactions of the time. The island's archaeological heritage continues to be a subject of study, offering a glimpse into the spiritual landscape that Paul and his companions would have encountered. Theological Implications: The mention of Samothracia in the Book of Acts, though brief, serves as a reminder of the geographical and cultural diversity encountered by the early Christian missionaries. It reflects the commitment of the apostles to fulfill the Great Commission, as instructed by Jesus, to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). The journey through Samothracia symbolizes the crossing of cultural and geographical boundaries in the spread of the Christian faith. Conclusion: While Samothracia is not a focal point in biblical narratives, its inclusion in the account of Paul's travels highlights the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the dynamic nature of early Christian evangelism. The island's historical and religious background provides a rich context for understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by the apostles as they carried the message of Christ to new territories. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Samothraciaan island possessed by the Samians and Thracians Smith's Bible Dictionary SamothraciaMention is made of this island in the account of St. Paul's first voyage to Europe. (Acts 16:11; 20:6) Being very lofty and conspicuous, it is an excellent landmark for sailors, and must have been full in view, if the weather was clear throughout that voyage from Troas to Neapolis. ATS Bible Dictionary SamothraciaAn island in the North-Aegean Sea, on the coast of Thrace, nearly midway between Troas and Philippi. On his first visit to Europe, Paul anchored for the night on the north of the island, Acts 16:11. It was anciently called Samos; and in order to distinguish it from the other Samos, the epithet Thracian was added. Samothracia contained a lofty mountain and a city of the same name, and was celebrated for its devotion to the heathen mysteries, particularly to those of Ceres and Proserpine. Hence the island received the epithet of "sacred," and was regarded as an inviolable asylum for all fugitives and criminals. It is now called by the Turks Semendrek. Easton's Bible Dictionary An island in the AEgean Sea, off the coast of Thracia, about 32 miles distant. This Thracian Samos was passed by Paul on his voyage from Troas to Neapolis (Acts 16:11) on his first missionary journey. It is about 8 miles long and 6 miles broad. Its modern name is Samothraki. Greek 4543. Samothrake -- "Samos of Thrace," Samothrace, an island in ... ... Samothracia. From Samos and Thraike (Thrace); Samo-thrace (Samos of Thrace), an island in the Mediterranean -- Samothracia. see GREEK Samos. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4543.htm - 6k Library In the Regions Beyond If Paul had Known any Mysteries Unrevealed to the Other Apostles ... Acts xv. 35 The Mission of Paul and Silas to Macedonia. Thesaurus Samothracia (1 Occurrence)... It is about 8 miles long and 6 miles broad. Its modern name is Samothraki. Multi-Version Concordance Samothracia (1 Occurrence). ... /s/samothracia.htm - 7k Sam'othrace (1 Occurrence) Loosing (7 Occurrences) Tro'as (6 Occurrences) Samothrace (1 Occurrence) Sailed (28 Occurrences) Sample (1 Occurrence) Morrow (113 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Samothracia (1 Occurrence)Acts 16:11 Subtopics Samothracia (Samothrace): Visited Briefly by Paul Related Terms |
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