Sop'ater, a figure mentioned in the New Testament, is recognized as a companion of the Apostle Paul. His name, Sop'ater, is believed to be a variant of the name "Sosipater," which means "savior of his father" in Greek. Sop'ater is identified as a native of Berea, a city in Macedonia, known for its noble-minded inhabitants who received the word with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11).

Biblical References:

Sop'ater is specifically mentioned in Acts 20:4: "He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia." . This passage highlights Sop'ater as one of the individuals who traveled with Paul during his third missionary journey. The context of this journey is significant, as Paul was on his way to Jerusalem, carrying a collection for the impoverished believers there, demonstrating the unity and charity among the early Christian communities.

Role and Significance:

Sop'ater's inclusion in Paul's entourage underscores his commitment to the early Christian mission and his role as a trusted associate of Paul. The mention of his father's name, Pyrrhus, suggests that Sop'ater came from a family of some standing, which may have facilitated his ability to travel and support Paul's ministry. His presence among other notable figures such as Aristarchus, Secundus, and Timothy indicates that he was part of a diverse group of believers from different regions, reflecting the universal nature of the Gospel message.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, Sop'ater's participation in Paul's journey can be seen as an embodiment of the early Church's emphasis on fellowship and cooperation among believers. His willingness to accompany Paul on a potentially perilous journey to Jerusalem illustrates the sacrificial nature of Christian service and the importance of supporting one another in the faith. Sop'ater's account, though brief in the biblical narrative, serves as a testament to the dedication and unity that characterized the early Christian community.

Tradition and Legacy:

While the biblical account provides limited information about Sop'ater, early Christian tradition sometimes associates him with Sosipater mentioned in Romans 16:21: "Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen." . If Sop'ater and Sosipater are indeed the same person, this would further attest to his close relationship with Paul and his involvement in the broader mission of the Church.

In summary, Sop'ater's brief mention in the New Testament highlights the collaborative spirit of the early Church and the diverse backgrounds of its members. His role as a companion of Paul underscores the importance of unity and support within the Christian community, serving as an example for believers throughout the ages.Sop'ater (1 Occurrence)

Acts 20:4
And there were accompanying him unto Asia, Sopater of Berea, and of Thessalonians Aristarchus and Secundus, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus, and of Asiatics Tychicus and Trophimus;
(See RSV)

Sop'ater (1 Occurrence)
Sop'ater. Sopater, Sop'ater. Sope . Multi-Version Concordance Sop'ater
(1 Occurrence). Acts 20:4 And there were accompanying him ...
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Sopater (1 Occurrence)

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Sope
Sope. Sop'ater, Sope. Sophereth . Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) See Soap.
Int. ... SOPE. sop. See SOAP. Sop'ater, Sope. Sophereth . Reference Bible.
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