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G494 · Greek · New Testament
Ἀντίπατρις
Antipatris
Proper noun, location
Antipatris (city)

Definition

Antipatris was a city on the plain of Sharon, built by Herod the Great and named after his father Antipater. It lay on the road from Jerusalem to Caesarea Maritima. In Acts 23, Paul was taken by night from Jerusalem to Antipatris by soldiers guarding him from a Jewish assassination plot.

Usage & Theological Significance

Paul's nighttime transport through Antipatris to Caesarea illustrates the providential protection God exercised over his apostle. Though Paul faced constant danger, God's purpose for his Rome testimony would not be thwarted (Acts 23:11). Even Roman soldiers, unwitting instruments of providence, served to protect the bearer of the gospel.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 23:31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris.
Acts 23:23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, 'Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight.'
Acts 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Proverbs 21:1 In the LORD's hand the king's heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

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