Samothrace, an island in the northern Aegean Sea, holds a notable place in biblical history due to its mention in the New Testament. The island is referenced in the Book of Acts as part of the Apostle Paul's second missionary journey. Known for its rugged terrain and the towering Mount Saos, Samothrace was a significant cultural and religious center in ancient times, famous for the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, a site of mystery religions and initiatory rites.

Biblical Reference:

In the New Testament, Samothrace is mentioned in Acts 16:11: "We sailed from Troas straight for Samothrace, and the following day on to Neapolis." This passage describes Paul's journey as he responded to the Macedonian call, a pivotal moment in the spread of the Gospel to Europe. The mention of Samothrace indicates a stopover during the voyage from Asia Minor to Macedonia, highlighting the island's strategic location along the maritime route.

Historical and Cultural Context:

During the time of Paul's visit, Samothrace was known for its religious significance. The island was home to the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, a major center for the mystery religions of the ancient world. These religious practices were characterized by secretive rites and ceremonies, which were believed to offer initiates protection and blessings. While the Bible does not detail Paul's activities on the island, the presence of such a religious site underscores the diverse spiritual landscape encountered by early Christian missionaries.

Geographical Significance:

Samothrace's geographical position made it an important waypoint for travelers and traders navigating the Aegean Sea. The island's prominent peak, Mount Saos, served as a landmark for ancient mariners. Its location between Asia Minor and the European mainland facilitated cultural and commercial exchanges, making it a natural stop for Paul and his companions as they journeyed to spread the Gospel.

Theological Implications:

The brief mention of Samothrace in Acts underscores the expansive reach of the early Christian mission. Paul's journey through the island symbolizes the transition of the Gospel from the familiar territories of Asia Minor to the broader, diverse regions of Europe. This movement reflects the fulfillment of the Great Commission, as the message of Christ transcended geographical and cultural boundaries.

Archaeological Insights:

Modern archaeological efforts on Samothrace have uncovered remnants of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, providing insight into the religious practices that once dominated the island. These findings offer a glimpse into the spiritual environment that early Christians, like Paul, encountered as they navigated the complexities of spreading the Gospel in a world rich with diverse beliefs and traditions.

In summary, Samothrace serves as a testament to the dynamic and far-reaching nature of the early Christian mission. Its mention in the Book of Acts highlights the strategic and cultural intersections that facilitated the spread of Christianity across the ancient world.Samothrace

In the Revised Version for Samothracia.

SAMOTHRACE

sam'-o-thras (Samothrake, "the Thracian Samos"; the King James Version Samothracia, sam-o-thra'sha; the island was formerly Dardania; for change of name see Pausanias vii.4, 3; Strabo x.457, and for a full discussion Conze, Hauser and Benndorf, Neue Untersuchungen auf South, 1880): An island in the Aegean Sea, South of Thrace opposite the mouth of the Hebrus River, and Northwest of Troas. The island is mountainous, as the name indicates (see SAMOS), and towers above Imbros when viewed from the Trojan coast. The summit is about a mile high. It is mentioned in the Iliad (xiii.12) as the seat of Poseidon and referred to by Virgil Aeneid vii0.208.

The island was always famous for sanctity, and the seat of a cult of the Cabeiri, which Herodotus (ii.51) says was derived from the Pelasgian inhabitants (see also Aristophanes, Pax 277). The mysteries connected with the worship of these gods later rivaled the famous mysteries of Eleusis, and both Philip of Macedon and Olympias his wife were initiated here (Plut. Alex. 3).

Probably because of its sacred character the island did not figure to any extent in history, but in the expedition of Xerxes in 480 B.C., one ship at least of the Samothracian contingent is mentioned as conspicuous in the battle of Salamis.

The famous "Victory of Samothrace" (now in the Louvre) was set up here by Demetrius Poliorcetes circa 300 B.C., and was discovered in 1863. Since that time (1873-75), the Austrian government carried on extensive excavations (see Conze, Hauser and Benndorf, op. cit.).

In the New Testament the island is mentioned in Acts 16:11. From Troas, Paul made a straight run to Samothrace, and the next day sailed to NEAPOLIS (which see) on the Thracian coast, the port of PHILIPPI (which see). At the northern end of Samothrace was a town where the ship could anchor for the night, and on the return journey (Acts 20:6) a landing may have been made, but no details are given. Pliny characterizes the island as being most difficult for anchorage, but because of the hazards of sailing by night, the ancient navigators always anchored somewhere if possible.

LITERATURE.

See under SAMOS.

Arthur J. Kinsella

4543. Samothrake -- "Samos of Thrace," Samothrace, an island in ...
... 4542, 4543. Samothrake. 4544 . "Samos of Thrace," Samothrace, an island in
the Aegean. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Samothrake Phonetic ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4543.htm - 6k

Acts XVI
... (11) "Therefore, setting sail from Troas, we ran by a straight course to Samothrace,
and the next day to Neapolis; (12) and thence to Philippi, which is the ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm

S. Theophanes
... to the cause of Icons marked him out as one of the earliest victims of Leo the Armenian,
who, after imprisoning him for two years, banished him to Samothrace. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neale/hymns of the eastern church/s theophanes.htm

Why Paul Went to Macedonia
... good news to them. So, setting sail from Troas, we ran straight to Samothrace,
and on the next day to Neapolis. From there we went ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/why paul went to macedonia.htm

The Numerous Oracles
... [336] See D??llinger, i. 73, 164-70: the Cabiri were pre-Hellenic deities, worshipped
in many ancient sanctuaries, but principally in Samothrace and Lemnos. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 47 the numerous oracles.htm

It is Said that on a Recent Occasion Where the Letters of ...
... We need not wonder if the books of know-nothings find plenty of readers. Footnotes:
[3028] A native of Samothrace who died at Cyprus bc 157. ...
/.../14 it is said that.htm

The Trinitarian Controversy.
... In Phrygia it was introduced by Dardanus, who carried it from Samothrace.' In short,
'the Trinity was a leading principle in all ancient schools of philosophy ...
/.../chapter vi the trinitarian controversy.htm

Samothrace (1 Occurrence)
...SAMOTHRACE. ... The famous "Victory of Samothrace" (now in the Louvre) was set up here
by Demetrius Poliorcetes circa 300 BC, and was discovered in 1863. ...
/s/samothrace.htm - 9k

Neapolis (1 Occurrence)
... was the seaport of Philippi, and was the first point in Europe at which Paul and
his companions landed; from Troas they had sailed direct to Samothrace, and on ...
/n/neapolis.htm - 9k

Samos (1 Occurrence)
... Kerki (modern name) rising to a height of 4,700 ft., and it was due to this that
the island received its name (see above). See also SAMOTHRACE. ...
/s/samos.htm - 9k

Voyage (5 Occurrences)
... Voyage (5 Occurrences). Acts 16:11 Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a
straight course to Samothrace, and the day following to Neapolis; (See RSV). ...
/v/voyage.htm - 8k

Ne-ap'olis (1 Occurrence)
... Ne-ap'olis (1 Occurrence). Acts 16:11 Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made
a straight course to Samothrace, and the day following to Neapolis; (See RSV). ...
/n/ne-ap'olis.htm - 6k

Isle (15 Occurrences)
... Revelation 1:9), various islands are mentioned by name in connection with the voyages
of Paul, eg Cyprus, Crete, Lesbos, Samos, Samothrace, Chios, Melita ...
/i/isle.htm - 15k

Island (16 Occurrences)
... Revelation 1:9), various islands are mentioned by name in connection with the voyages
of Paul, eg Cyprus, Crete, Lesbos, Samos, Samothrace, Chios, Melita ...
/i/island.htm - 16k

Troas (6 Occurrences)
... Acts 16:11 Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace,
and the day following to Neapolis; (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS ...
/t/troas.htm - 11k

Direct (58 Occurrences)
... Acts 16:11 Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to
Samothrace, and the day following to Neapolis; (See RSV). ...
/d/direct.htm - 24k

Accordingly (34 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 16:11 Accordingly we put out to sea from Troas, and ran a straight
course to Samothrace. The next day we came to Neapolis, (WEY). ...
/a/accordingly.htm - 17k

What is the Macedonian Call? | GotQuestions.org

What happened on Paul's second missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org

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