from νέος and πόλις; new town; Neapolis, a place in Macedonia:--Neapolis.
Transliteration:Neápolis
Pronunciation:neh-ap'-ol-is
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Neápolis (`{{G3496}}`) is a compound noun derived from νέος (neos, `{{G3501}}`), meaning "new," and πόλις (polis, `{{G4172}}`), meaning "city" or "town." Thus, its literal and base meaning is "new city" or "new town." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to this specific geographical location, a port city located in the Roman province of Macedonia. It does not carry a broader metaphorical or theological meaning beyond its designation of a particular place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Neápolis (`{{G3496}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 16:11]]: "Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis."
This verse describes a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's second missionary journey. After receiving the "Macedonian call" (a vision instructing him to go to Macedonia, [[Acts 16:9]]), Paul and his companions (Silas, Timothy, and Luke) immediately set sail from Troas. Neapolis served as their initial landing point on European soil. From Neapolis, they proceeded to Philippi, which is described as "the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony" ([[Acts 16:12]]). The mention of Neapolis in this itinerary is purely geographical, serving to trace the direct and divinely guided path of Paul's mission. It signifies the physical gateway through which the Gospel first entered the continent of Europe, marking a significant expansion of the early Christian movement beyond Asia Minor.
### Related Words & Concepts
* νέος (neos, `{{G3501}}`): "new," as in "fresh" or "recently made/established." This component highlights the relatively recent founding or prominence of the city.
* πόλις (polis, `{{G4172}}`): "city," "town." This term is ubiquitous in the New Testament, referring to the various urban centers that were focal points for apostolic ministry.
* Μακεδονία (Makedonia, `{{G3109}}`): "Macedonia," the Roman province where Neapolis was situated. This broader geographical context is crucial, as it represents the first major European region to receive the Gospel through Paul's direct ministry.
* Φίλιπποι (Philippoi, `{{G5375}}`): "Philippi," the next destination after Neapolis, where the first Christian church in Europe was established. Neapolis functioned as the port of entry for reaching Philippi.
* The concept of "missionary journey" or "apostolic itinerary" is intrinsically linked to Neápolis, as it marks a key waypoint in the strategic, divinely directed travels of the apostles.
### Theological Significance
While Neápolis (`{{G3496}}`) itself is a proper noun without inherent theological meaning, its singular appearance in the biblical narrative holds profound theological significance due to its contextual role. Neápolis represents the *threshold* of the Gospel's expansion from its predominantly Asian context into Europe. The landing at Neapolis, immediately following the "Macedonian call" (a clear instance of divine guidance), underscores God's sovereign direction in the global spread of the Christian message. This seemingly mundane geographical detail becomes a powerful symbol of providential leading and strategic advance in the history of missions. The "new city" (Neapolis) served as the literal stepping stone for the "new covenant" (cf. [[Jeremiah 31:31]]; [[Luke 22:20]]; [[Hebrews 8:8]]) to be proclaimed and take root in a new continent. It signifies the beginning of a new chapter in redemptive history, where the Good News began to impact Gentile populations in a major new cultural and geographical sphere. The arrival at Neapolis is thus a testament to God's global missionary purpose and the obedient response of His apostles to His call.
### Summary
Neápolis (`{{G3496}}`), meaning "new city," is a Greek proper noun designating a specific port city in Macedonia. Its sole biblical mention in [[Acts 16:11]] is highly significant, marking the precise geographical point where the Apostle Paul's second missionary journey entered the continent of Europe. Following the divine "Macedonian call," this landing at Neapolis was a pivotal moment, signifying the providential expansion of the Gospel from Asia Minor into a new cultural and geographical sphere. Though a simple geographical marker, Neápolis stands as a powerful symbol of God's sovereign guidance in the global dissemination of the Christian message and the obedient footsteps of His apostles in fulfilling His redemptive plan.
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