Brief Overview of Ποτίολοι (Strong’s G4223: Potioloi)

Strong’s G4223: The Greek name for Puteoli, an important Roman port city in the Bay of Naples. Appears once in Acts during Paul’s journey to Rome. Significant as a major Mediterranean port and commercial center, where the early Christian message likely reached through merchant networks.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποτίολοι represents more than just a geographical location; it marks a crucial point in Paul’s journey to Rome and symbolizes the spread of Christianity through Roman trade networks. The city’s role as a major port made it a natural point of contact between East and West, facilitating the gospel’s spread. Early church writers noted its significance in connecting Mediterranean Christian communities. Today, it reminds us how God used existing trade routes and commercial centers to spread His message.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Ποτίολοι, Potioloi, po-tee-OH-loy
• Detailed pronunciation: poh-tee-OH-loy (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Greek transliteration of Latin Puteoli
• From puteus (well)
• -oli (diminutive suffix)

D – Defining Meanings

• Puteoli (modern Pozzuoli)
• Port city near Naples
• Major Roman commercial harbor

Translation Options:

• “Puteoli” – traditional English rendering
• “Pozzuoli” – modern name
• “Potioloi” – direct transliteration

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Ῥώμη (Rhōmē, RHO-may) – Rome – See G4516
• Συρακοῦσαι (Surakousai, soo-ra-KOO-sai) – Syracuse – See G4946
• Ῥήγιον (Rhēgion, RHAY-gee-on) – Rhegium – See G4484

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a proper noun, Ποτίολοι exhibits:

• Number: Plural form (like many city names)
• Gender: Masculine
• Case: Used in various cases
• Declension: 2nd declension

Cross-references:

• No related forms as it’s a transliterated place name
• Used only as geographical reference

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its commercial importance. Thayer’s notes its role in Mediterranean trade. LSJ documents Greek forms of Latin place names. Vine’s highlights its significance in Acts. Strong’s connects it to Paul’s journey. Moulton and Milligan cite documentary evidence of Christian presence.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 28:13: “And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to [Ποτίολοι] Puteoli.”

Additional References:
This place name appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 28:13.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποτίολοι reminds us how God uses human infrastructure for divine purposes. This bustling port city became a gateway for the gospel’s spread westward, demonstrating how commercial networks served spiritual purposes. It proclaims that God’s message can reach the world through existing channels of human connection.

D – Did You Know?

1. Puteoli was the main port for Rome’s grain supply from Egypt.
2. Archaeological evidence shows early Christian presence in the city.
3. The city had a significant Jewish community that likely aided early Christian mission.

Strong’s G4223: The Greek name for Puteoli, an important Roman port city in the Bay of Naples. Appears once in Acts during Paul’s journey to Rome. Significant as a major Mediterranean port and commercial center, where the early Christian message likely reached through merchant networks.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Puteoli, Paul’s journey, Roman ports, Acts, maritime trade, missionary journeys, Mediterranean, Italy, ancient cities, Christian expansion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​