Ptolemais
Summary
Ptolemais was the Greco-Roman name for the ancient city of Accho (modern Acre), a significant Mediterranean port where Paul spent a day with the Christian community on his final journey to Jerusalem.
☩Location and History
Ptolemais, standing on a rocky promontory forming the northern boundary of the Bay of Acre, was the ancient Canaanite town of Accho. Protected by the sea on three sides and strongly fortified on the landward side, it was regarded as the key of Palestine. The city received its Greek name under the Ptolemaic kings of Egypt, probably from Ptolemy Soter, and retained this name through the Roman period until the old native name was revived.
☩Paul's Visit
Paul visited Ptolemais on his return from his third missionary journey, sailing from Tyre and landing there. He found a Christian community ('the brethren') and spent one day with them before continuing by land to Caesarea and then to Jerusalem. The founder of this church is unknown, though Philip the Evangelist, who labored in Caesarea, has been suggested.
☩Later History
Known as St. Jean d'Acre to the Crusaders, who made it their chief port in Palestine, the city endured many sieges throughout history. Its capture by the Saracens in 1291 ended the Crusader kingdom of the Franks. Napoleon besieged it in vain in 1799. The modern city of Haifa has largely eclipsed its commercial importance.
Related Verses1 mention
Acts· 1 verse
See Also
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Ptolemais," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Ptolemais," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).