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Sopater
Sosipater, who defends the father
Σώπατρος Sōpatros
Sopater (Greek: Σώπατρος, Sōpatros) means “Sosipater, who defends the father”, by traditional interpretation. It appears in 2 verses across 2 books of the Bible. In United States birth records the name is below the reporting threshold. Appears with Aristarchus in Acts 20.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Sopater
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 2 across 2 books
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Apostolic
Using it today
In United States birth records this name is below the reporting threshold. The Social Security Administration does not publish counts under five, so a name given to four children looks the same as one given to none.
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Acts 20:4 |
| Last appears | Romans 16:21 |
| Cross-references | 82 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Lucius co-occurrence Appears with Lucius in Romans 16.
- Pyrrhus co-occurrence Appears with Pyrrhus in Acts 20.
- Gaius co-occurrence Appears with Gaius in Acts 20.
- Secundus co-occurrence Appears with Secundus in Acts 20.
- Trophimus co-occurrence Appears with Trophimus in Acts 20.
- Aristarchus co-occurrence Appears with Aristarchus in Acts 20.
- Jason co-occurrence Appears with Jason in Romans 16.
Origin & meaning
Σώπατρος, -ου, ὁ
Sopater: Act.20:4.†
(AS)
Sopater (or Sosipater) was a companion of Paul from Berea who accompanied him on his journey to Jerusalem and later sent greetings to the church in Rome.
The biblical story
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 Act.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 (Act.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 (Act.17.10-12).
Later, in Rom.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.
Key verses
Sopater appears in 2 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
-
And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
Acts 20:4 -
Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
Romans 16:21
Show all 2 references
Acts (1)
- Acts 20:4
Romans (1)
- Romans 16:21