Sopater
Peopleâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Sopater, a resident of Berea, traveled with Paul from Greece to Jerusalem alongside Gaius of Derbe, Aristarchus, Secundus, Tychicus, Trophimus, and Timothy. He is widely identified by scholars as the Sosipater mentioned in Romans 16:21 as a kinsman of Paul.
What is the meaning of Sopater in the Bible?
Sopater, a resident of Berea, traveled with Paul from Greece to Jerusalem alongside Gaius of Derbe, Aristarchus, Secundus, Tychicus, Trophimus, and Timothy. He is widely identified by scholars as the Sosipater mentioned in Romans 16:21 as a kinsman of Paul.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Sopater clarifies the network of early Christian leaders and confirms the involvement of Gentile converts from Macedonia in supporting the Jerusalem collection, demonstrating the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.