Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Sopater is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. He is identified as one of the companions of the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys. Sopater's presence in the biblical narrative highlights the diverse group of early Christians who played significant roles in the spread of the Gospel.Biblical References Sopater is mentioned in Acts 20:4, which states: "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 places Sopater among a group of men who traveled with Paul as he made his way through Macedonia and Greece, ultimately heading towards Jerusalem. Background and Context Sopater is described as being from Berea, a city in Macedonia. Berea is noted in Acts 17:10-12 for its noble character, as the Bereans were commended for their eagerness to receive the message of the Gospel and their diligence in examining the Scriptures daily to verify Paul's teachings. This background suggests that Sopater was likely a man of strong faith and commitment to the teachings of Christ. The mention of Sopater as the "son of Pyrrhus" provides a familial connection, although little else is known about his family or personal history. The inclusion of his father's name may indicate a family of some standing or recognition within the Berean community. Role in Paul's Ministry Sopater's role as a companion of Paul underscores the collaborative nature of early Christian missions. Traveling with Paul would have involved significant challenges, including long journeys, potential persecution, and the responsibility of supporting the apostle in his ministry. Sopater's willingness to accompany Paul suggests a deep commitment to the mission of spreading the Gospel and supporting the early Church. The group of men listed in Acts 20:4, including Sopater, were likely tasked with delivering the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, a significant act of charity and unity among the early Christian communities. This mission was crucial in fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support among believers from different regions. Theological Significance Sopater's inclusion in the biblical narrative, though brief, serves as a testament to the diverse and interconnected nature of the early Church. His presence among Paul's companions highlights the importance of laypersons in the mission of the Church and the spread of the Gospel. Sopater represents the many unnamed and lesser-known individuals who played vital roles in the establishment and growth of the Christian faith. In summary, Sopater of Berea is a figure who, though mentioned only once in the New Testament, exemplifies the dedication and collaborative spirit of the early Christian community. His journey with Paul and the other companions reflects the unity and shared purpose that characterized the early Church's mission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary SopaterSosipater, who defends the father Smith's Bible Dictionary Sopater(saviour of his father), son or Pyrrhus or Berea, was one of the companions of St. Paul on his return from Greece into Asia. (Acts 20:4) (A.D. 55.) ATS Bible Dictionary SopaterA Berean Christian, and one of those who attended Paul from Greece into Asia Minor, Acts 20:4. He is supposed to have been the kinsman of Paul called Sosipater in Romans 16:21. Easton's Bible Dictionary The father who saves, probably the same as Sosipater, a kinsman of Paul (Romans 16:21), a Christian of the city of Berea who accompanied Paul into Asia (Acts 20:4-6). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SOPATERso'-pa-ter, sop'-a-ter (Sopatros): the Revised Version (British and American) the son of Pyrrhus; the King James Version omits. A man of Berea who is mentioned with some Thessalonians and others as accompanying Paul as far as Asia on his return to Jerusalem after his 3rd missionary journey (Acts 20:4). He is probably the same as the "Sosipater" of Romans 16:21. Greek 4986. Sopatros -- "of a safe father," Sopater, a Christian from ... ... 4985, 4986. Sopatros. 4987 . "of a safe father," Sopater, a Christian from Berea. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Sopatros Phonetic Spelling ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4986.htm - 6k Library Refutation of the Assertion that Constantine Became a Christian in ... Sources. Paul's Last Journey to Jerusalem Acts xx. 1 The First Successors of the Apostles. The Exile at Cucusus Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ... The Council of Tyre and First Exile of Athanasius, 335-337. Acts XX Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath ... Thesaurus Sopater (1 Occurrence)...SOPATER. so'-pa-ter, sop'-a-ter (Sopatros): the Revised Version (British and American) the son of Pyrrhus; the King James Version omits. ...Sopater (1 Occurrence). ... /s/sopater.htm - 7k Sosipater (1 Occurrence) Trophimus (3 Occurrences) Pyrrhus (1 Occurrence) Beroea (4 Occurrences) Berea (4 Occurrences) Sop'ater (1 Occurrence) Sop (3 Occurrences) Gaius (5 Occurrences) Ga'ius (5 Occurrences) Resources Who were the Bereans in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened on Paul's third missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sopater (1 Occurrence)Acts 20:4 Subtopics Related Terms |