Companion of Paul from Berea, greeted the Roman church.
Sopater
Named in 2 verses across 2 books, first in Acts 20:4.
ΣώπατροςSopater
ΣωσίπατροςSosipater
Also called Sosipater.
The name means “Sosipater, who defends the father.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
- Father
- Pyrrhus
About Sopater Written by AI
Sopater, also known as Sosipater, was a Christian mentioned in the New Testament as a companion of the apostle Paul. He is first mentioned in Acts 20:4 as a Berean who accompanied Paul on his journey from Greece to Jerusalem, along with several others, including Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus. This journey took place during Paul's third missionary journey, as he was returning to Jerusalem with an offering for the believers there (Acts 24:17). Sopater's inclusion in this group suggests that he was a trusted member of the early Christian community and a close associate of Paul. As a Berean, he likely came from the city of Berea (modern-day Veria) in Macedonia, where Paul had previously preached the gospel and found the people to be open-minded and receptive to his message (Acts 17:10 to 12). Later, in Romans 16:21, a Sosipater is mentioned among those sending greetings to the church in Rome, along with Timothy, Lucius, Jason, and others. While it is not explicitly stated, it is likely that this Sosipater is the same person as Sopater from Berea, as both names were used interchangeably in ancient times. The mention of Sopater/Sosipater in these two passages highlights the close-knit nature of the early Christian community and the importance of personal relationships in the spread of the gospel. As a companion of Paul and a member of the delegation carrying the offering to Jerusalem, Sopater played a role in the practical support and unity of the church.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
The father who saves, probably the same as Sosipater, a kinsman of Paul (Rom. 16:21), a Christian of the city of Berea who accompanied Paul into Asia (Acts 20:4-6).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Acts 20:4
Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.
- Romans 16:21
Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.