Sosip'ater, also referred to as Sopater, is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament. He is recognized as a companion of the Apostle Paul and is noted for his role in the early Christian church. His name, of Greek origin, means "savior of his father," which may reflect his heritage or the hope placed upon him by his family.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 16:21 · Sosip'ater is mentioned in Paul's letter to the Romans, where Paul sends greetings from his companions. The verse states: "Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen." This reference suggests that Sosip'ater was of Jewish descent, as Paul refers to him as a "kinsman," indicating a shared ethnic or religious background.

2. Acts 20:4 · Although not directly named as Sosip'ater in this passage, it is widely believed by scholars that the Sopater mentioned here is the same individual. The verse reads: "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 Sosip'ater's involvement in Paul's missionary journeys, specifically his travel with Paul from Greece to Asia Minor.

Role in Early Christianity:

Sosip'ater's inclusion in Paul's letters and travels indicates his active participation in the spread of the Gospel. As a companion of Paul, he would have been involved in the establishment and strengthening of early Christian communities. His presence alongside other notable figures such as Timothy and Aristarchus underscores his importance in the missionary efforts of the early church.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Sosip'ater's background as a Jew from Berea, a city in Macedonia, places him within the Hellenistic Jewish context of the first century. Berea was known for its noble character, as described in Acts 17:11, where the Bereans are commended for their eagerness to receive the message and their diligent examination of the Scriptures. This cultural backdrop may have influenced Sosip'ater's dedication to the Christian mission and his ability to bridge cultural divides within the early church.

Legacy:

While not much is detailed about Sosip'ater's life beyond these scriptural references, his mention in the New Testament serves as a testament to his faithfulness and commitment to the early Christian mission. His role as a "kinsman" and fellow worker with Paul highlights the collaborative nature of the apostolic ministry and the diverse backgrounds of those who contributed to the spread of Christianity. Sosip'ater's legacy is preserved in the brief but significant mentions within the New Testament, reflecting the broader narrative of the early church's growth and the individuals who played pivotal roles in its development.Sosip'ater (1 Occurrence)

Romans 16:21
Salute you do Timotheus, my fellow-workman, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kindred;
(See RSV)

Sosip'ater (1 Occurrence)
Sosip'ater. Sosipater, Sosip'ater. Sosthenes . Multi-Version Concordance
Sosip'ater (1 Occurrence). Romans 16:21 Salute you do Timotheus ...
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Sosipater (1 Occurrence)

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Sosthenes (2 Occurrences)

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