Brief Overview of Πτολεμαΐς (Strong’s G4424: ptolemais)

Strong’s G4424: A proper noun naming the ancient Phoenician port city located between Tyre and Caesarea, renamed after Ptolemy Philadelphus. Originally called Accho (modern Acre), it served as a significant maritime center and appears in Acts during Paul’s missionary journeys.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πτολεμαΐς represents more than just a geographical location; it stands as a testament to the spread of the gospel through major Mediterranean ports. The city, strategically positioned on the Palestinian coast, served as a crucial link in early Christian missionary activities. Its appearance in Acts marks an important stop on Paul’s journey, highlighting the role of established trade routes in the spread of Christianity. Early church history records the development of a significant Christian community there. Today, the site (modern Acre) continues to remind us of the historical routes through which the gospel spread across the Mediterranean world.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Πτολεμαΐς, ptolemais, /tol-em-ah-is/
• Detailed pronunciation: tol-em-AH-iss (initial ‘p’ is silent)
• Part of Speech: Noun (proper name, feminine)

Etymology:

• Root: Πτολεμαῖος (Ptolemaios) – “Ptolemy”
• Suffix: -ις (-is) – forms feminine nouns
• Named after Ptolemy II Philadelphus
• Originally Phoenician Accho/Akko

D – Defining Meanings

• Port city on Palestinian coast
• Hellenistic-Roman city
• Strategic maritime center

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “Ptolemais” – Traditional transliteration
• “Acre” – Modern name
• “Ancient Akko” – Historical reference

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Καισάρεια (Kaisareia) /kai-sar-ei-ah/ – “Caesarea” – See G2542
• Τύρος (Tyros) /tee-ros/ – “Tyre” – See G5184
• Σιδών (Sidon) /see-dohn/ – “Sidon” – See G4605

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a proper noun (feminine), Πτολεμαΐς follows these patterns:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular only (as a place name)
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative: Πτολεμαΐς (Ptolemais)
• Genitive: Πτολεμαΐδος (of Ptolemais)
• Dative: Πτολεμαΐδι (in/at Ptolemais)
• Accusative: Πτολεμαΐδα (to Ptolemais)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its importance as a major port city. Thayer’s notes its strategic location and history. LSJ documents its significance in Hellenistic-Roman period. Vine’s connects it to Paul’s missionary journeys. Strong’s identifies its location between Tyre and Caesarea. Moulton and Milligan cite references from papyri regarding maritime trade. LEH discusses its appearance in historical documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 21:7 “And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais [Πτολεμαΐδα], and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Strabo: Geography	“Ptolemais [Πτολεμαΐς], a large city formerly called Ace”
Polybius: Histories	“The fleet anchored at Ptolemais [Πτολεμαΐς], the finest harbor in Coele-Syria”
Josephus: Jewish War	“Ptolemais [Πτολεμαΐς] stood as a Greek city amid Jewish territories”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πτολεμαΐς reminds us of how God used established trade routes and commercial centers to spread the gospel. Paul’s visit to this port city illustrates the strategic nature of early Christian mission work. This place name proclaims the good news that God uses human infrastructure and commerce to advance His kingdom, reaching people where they live and work.

D – Did You Know?

1. The city served as a key naval base during the Hellenistic period.
2. Early Christian councils were held in Ptolemais.
3. The city’s strategic location made it crucial in the spread of Christianity along the Mediterranean coast.

Strong’s G4424: A proper noun naming the ancient Phoenician port city located between Tyre and Caesarea, renamed after Ptolemy Philadelphus. Originally called Accho (modern Acre), it served as a significant maritime center and appears in Acts during Paul’s missionary journeys.

Part of speech: Noun (proper name, feminine)

Tags: biblical places, port cities, Paul’s journeys, Mediterranean ports, ancient cities, missionary routes, Acts of Apostles, Phoenician coast, maritime trade, early church, Palestinian cities, Christian expansion