Pronunciation Guide: an-TIP-at-ris

Basic Definition

Strong’s G494: Ἀντιπατρίς (Antipatris) was a significant Roman city in ancient Judea, located on the road between Jerusalem and Caesarea. Built by Herod the Great and named after his father Antipater, it served as a crucial military outpost and way station for travelers. The city was strategically positioned at the intersection of major trade routes.

Etymology and Morphology

• Proper noun
• Derived from the Greek name Ἀντίπατρος (Antipatros)
• Used in historical narrative sections
• Place name with Roman-Hellenistic origin
• Appears only once in the New Testament

Ἀντιπατρίς Morphology:

• Ἀντιπατρίς (nominative singular) – Antipatris
• Ἀντιπατρίδος (genitive singular) – of Antipatris
• Ἀντιπατρίδι (dative singular) – in/at Antipatris
• Ἀντιπατρίδα (accusative singular) – to Antipatris

Origin & History

The city of Antipatris has a rich historical background that predates its Roman reconstruction. Originally, the site was known as Aphek in the Old Testament period, a location of significant biblical events. Herod the Great rebuilt and renamed the city around 9 BCE in honor of his father Antipater II, who had served as procurator of Judea under Julius Caesar.

According to Josephus in his work “Antiquities of the Jews” (16.5.2), Herod chose this location due to its strategic position along the Via Maris trade route and its proximity to abundant water sources from the Yarkon River springs. The city was designed as both a military fortress and civilian settlement, featuring sophisticated Roman architectural elements including an elaborate water system, fortification walls, and public buildings.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A fortified Roman city in ancient Judea
• A strategic military outpost
• An important stop on the Jerusalem-Caesarea road

Ἀντιπατρίς Translation Options:

• Antipatris – The standard transliteration used in most English translations
• City of Antipater – A descriptive translation highlighting its namesake
• Fortress of Antipatris – Emphasizing its military significance

Biblical Usage

Ἀντιπατρίς appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 23:31, where it plays a crucial role in the apostle Paul’s protection from a Jewish assassination plot. The Roman soldiers escorted Paul by night to this fortress city, ensuring his safety before returning to Jerusalem while the horsemen continued with him to Caesarea.

The city’s location made it an ideal stopping point, being approximately 40 Roman miles from Jerusalem. This single night’s journey would have been an intense forced march, demonstrating both the urgency of Paul’s situation and the Roman military’s commitment to his protection.

• “So the soldiers, according to their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris [Ἀντιπατρίς].” Acts 23:31

Cultural Insights

The significance of Antipatris in Paul’s journey reveals much about Roman military procedures and the protection offered to Roman citizens. The choice of this fortress city as a safe haven demonstrates the Roman practice of using established military outposts to protect important persons. The night journey to Antipatris would have followed the Roman road system, which was designed for rapid military movement and efficient communication throughout the empire.

The city’s construction by Herod the Great also provides insight into the complex political relationships of the time. Herod’s decision to name the city after his father Antipater reflected both Roman and Jewish cultural practices of honoring family members through civic monuments, while also serving as a reminder of his family’s loyalty to Rome.

Theological Significance

The appearance of Ἀντιπατρίς in Paul’s journey to Rome serves as a powerful testament to God’s sovereignty in protecting His servants and advancing the gospel. Just as the Lord had promised Paul that he would testify in Rome (Acts 23:11), He used the Roman military system and this fortress city as instruments of His protection.

The journey to Antipatris also illustrates how God often works through ordinary means – in this case, a Roman military escort and an established fortress city – to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. This reminds us that divine providence frequently operates through seemingly mundane circumstances and human institutions.

Personal Application

The story of Paul’s protection through Antipatris encourages believers today to trust in God’s sovereign care, even in dangerous circumstances. Just as the Lord provided a fortress city and Roman guards for Paul’s protection, He continues to work through various means to protect and guide His people in their ministry.

When facing opposition or danger in our service to the Lord, we can take comfort in knowing that God is able to use any resource – even seemingly secular institutions and structures – to accomplish His purposes and protect His servants.

Related Words

• φρούριον (phrourion) – fortress, garrison (pronunciation: FROO-ree-on) – Emphasizes the military aspect of Antipatris See G5432
• πόλις (polis) – city (pronunciation: POH-lis) – Describes the urban nature of Antipatris See G4172
• παρεμβολή (parembole) – fortress, barracks (pronunciation: par-em-bo-LAY) – Related to the military function See G3925

Did you Know?

• Archaeological excavations at Antipatris have revealed impressive Roman architecture, including a large fortress, water systems, and public buildings, confirming its importance as a military and civilian center.
• The site of Antipatris was strategically chosen near abundant springs that still flow today, making it a crucial stop for ancient travelers between Jerusalem and Caesarea.
• The modern Israeli city of Petah Tikva is located near the ancient site of Antipatris, and archaeological remains can still be visited today at Tel Afek.

Remember This

Antipatris stands as a testament to God’s sovereign use of human institutions – even a Roman fortress city – to protect His servants and advance His kingdom purposes.