### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Ποτίολοι (Potíoloi), transliterated as Potíoloi and assigned Strong's number `{{G4223}}`, is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical location. Its etymology is rooted in Latin, deriving from a term signifying "little wells" or "mineral springs." This etymological insight points to the natural features of the ancient city, known for its volcanic activity and therapeutic waters. As a proper noun, its semantic range is highly restricted, denoting exclusively the city of Puteoli, a prominent port on the Bay of Naples in ancient Italy. It does not carry broader conceptual or theological meanings beyond its identity as a place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Ποτίολοι (Potíoloi) occurs only once in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts.
* [[Acts 28:13]]: "From there we sailed and arrived at Rhegium. After one day the south wind came up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli."
This verse describes a crucial stop during the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner. After enduring a shipwreck and a stay on Malta, Paul and his companions continued their voyage, landing at Puteoli. At the time, Puteoli (modern-day Pozzuoli) served as the primary port for Rome, handling much of the empire's maritime trade, especially with the East. The text notes that upon their arrival, they "found brothers" (referring to fellow believers) and were invited to stay with them for seven days. This detail underscores the existence of an established Christian community in this significant Roman city, demonstrating the early spread of the Gospel even to major imperial centers. The seven-day stay provided a period of rest and fellowship before Paul proceeded along the Appian Way towards Rome.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun for a city, Ποτίολοι (Potíoloi) does not have direct synonyms or antonyms in the biblical lexicon. However, it is contextually related to several significant concepts and other geographical terms within the narrative of Acts:
* **Biblical Geography and Travel:** It is linked to other locations on Paul's final journey to Rome, such as Rhegium, Syracuse, and Malta, as well as the ultimate destination, Rome itself. These place names collectively map out the providential route of the Gospel's advance.
* **Early Christian Communities:** The mention of "brothers" in Puteoli connects it to the broader network of nascent Christian assemblies that had emerged across the Roman Empire, often through the efforts of apostles like Paul or through the natural diffusion of the faith.
* **Roman Empire and Infrastructure:** Puteoli's status as a major port highlights the role of Roman infrastructure (shipping routes, roads like the Appian Way) in facilitating the spread of the Gospel. It was a gateway to the imperial capital, signifying the Gospel's penetration into the heart of the Roman world.
* **Maritime Travel:** The context of sailing and port calls links Puteoli to the broader theme of sea voyages in the New Testament, often fraught with peril but ultimately guided by divine purpose.
### Theological Significance
While Puteoli itself is a geographical location rather than a theological concept, its brief but significant mention in Acts carries profound theological implications within the narrative of salvation history:
* **Divine Providence:** Paul's arrival in Puteoli, following a miraculous preservation from shipwreck, exemplifies God's sovereign hand guiding his servant's journey. Even as a prisoner, Paul's movements were orchestrated by divine purpose, ensuring his arrival in Rome to bear witness to Christ ([[Acts 23:11]]).
* **The Global Reach of the Gospel:** The presence of a thriving Christian community in a major Roman port like Puteoli demonstrates the early and widespread dissemination of the Gospel. It testifies to the power of the Holy Spirit to establish churches in diverse and strategically important locations, preparing the way for the Gospel's further expansion.
* **Fellowship and Hospitality:** The "seven days" spent with the "brothers" in Puteoli underscores the vital importance of Christian fellowship, mutual support, and hospitality within the early church. Even under duress, Paul found spiritual refreshment and solidarity among believers, a testament to the unifying power of Christ.
* **Strategic Advance to Rome:** Puteoli served as the penultimate stop before Rome, the imperial capital. Its mention signifies the Gospel's inexorable advance towards the center of worldly power, fulfilling the Great Commission's mandate to reach "the ends of the earth" ([[Acts 1:8]]). The Gospel was not confined to Jerusalem or Judea but was penetrating the very heart of the Gentile world.
### Summary
Ποτίολοι (Potíoloi), Strong's number `{{G4223}}`, refers to the ancient Roman port city of Puteoli, whose name derives from Latin for "little wells" or "mineral springs." Its sole biblical appearance is in [[Acts 28:13]], where it marks the landing point for the Apostle Paul and his companions on their journey to Rome. This brief mention is rich in theological significance, highlighting God's providential guidance of Paul's mission, the remarkable early spread of Christianity to major Roman centers, and the vital role of Christian fellowship. Puteoli serves as a tangible reminder of the Gospel's relentless advance into the heart of the Roman Empire, demonstrating the global reach and unifying power of the early church.
TRV