Bible Dictionary (2)

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Akeldama Field of Blood

Akeldama (Aramaic: חֲקַל דְּמָא — Hăqal Dəmā’, Greek: Ἁκελδαμά), or Field of Blood, is the place in Jerusalem where, according to the New Testament, Judas Iscariot was buried or where a field was purchased with the money he received for betraying Jesus Christ. The name comes from Aramaic and means “field of blood”.

Usage in Candle. Scripture: In Matthew 27:3–8 it is narrated that after betraying Jesus, Judas returns the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests, and they, considering them to be “the price of blood”, do not put them in the temple, but buy with them a cemetery field for foreigners. Acts 1:18–19 states that Judas acquired a field with the reward of his iniquity, and that he fell there and was scattered, and the place became known among the inhabitants of Jerusalem as Akeldama – “field of blood”.

Traditionally, Akeldama is believed to be located in the southern part of Jerusalem, in the Hinnom Valley (Gehenna), near where it joins the Kidron Valley.

Alabaster

Alabaster (Greek: ἀλάβαστρον – alabastron) is a white or slightly pinkish, translucent soft stone used in ancient times for making precious vessels for perfumes and oils. In the Bible, the word usually refers not to the material itself, but to a small vessel made of alabaster, traditionally handleless, with a narrow neck, in which myrrh or fragrant oils were stored.

The name may come from the Egyptian word a-labaste, associated with the goddess Bast (whose statue was often made of such a stone).

Usage in Candle. Scripture: The most famous episode is in the Gospels, where a woman pours ointment on the head or feet of Jesus from an alabaster jar: “…there came a woman having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard, very costly; and she broke the alabaster jar, and poured it on his head…” (Mark 14:3; cf. Matt. 26:7; Luke 7:37; John 12:3)

Alexandria

Alexandria (Greek: Ἀλεξάνδρεια) was an ancient and famous city in Egypt, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. It quickly became one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of the Mediterranean. By the time of the New Testament, it was the second most important city in the Roman Empire after Rome and an important intellectual, Jewish, and Christian center.

Alexandria had a large Jewish community—according to Philo of Alexandria, their number reached one-third of the population. This community gave rise to the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, compiled in the 3rd–2nd century BC by 70 scholars at the invitation of the Egyptian king Ptolemy II. The Septuagint became the basic text for the early Church.

Acts 6:9 speaks of “the synagogue of the Alexandrians,” indicating the influence and presence of Alexandrian Jews in Jerusalem.

Acts 18:24 mentions Apollos, “a Jew born at Alexandria,” a man “eloquent and powerful in the Scriptures,” who became a prominent preacher of the teachings of Christ.

Acts 27:6 and 28:11 indicate that Paul traveled on Alexandrian ships, indicating the city’s active maritime trade.

Since the 1st century, Alexandria has been a center of Christian thought and learning. The famous Catechism School, led by theologians such as Clement of Alexandria and Origen, arose there.

According to tradition, St. Mark the Evangelist was the city’s first bishop. Alexandria is the central see of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

Alpha and Omega

Alpha and Omega (Greek: τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ Ὦ) “Alpha and Omega” are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and are used in the Bible as a symbolic name for God, expressing His eternity, all-encompassingness, and completeness.

Use in Holy Scripture: The expression is found only in the Book of Revelation and refers to both God the Father and Jesus Christ, showing their eternal and divine nature: Rev. 1:8 – “I am Alpha and Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”; Rev. 21:6 – “I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.”; Rev. 22:13 – “I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

In church hymnography, especially in the Easter period, Christ is often called “Alpha and Omega.” In iconography, especially on icons of Christ the Almighty (Pantocrator), the letters Α and Ω are often written on both sides of His head, symbolizing His Divinity and eternity.

Etymology: Alpha (Α) is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, derived from the Phoenician aleph – “ox” (symbol of strength, beginning). Omega (Ω) is the last letter, literally meaning “big o” (as opposed to “omicron” – small o).

Alphaeus

Alphaeus (Greek: Ἁλφαῖος) is a person mentioned in the New Testament as the father of two of Jesus’ disciples – James the Less and Levi (Matthew). His name probably comes from the Hebrew Alphaeus, from which the name Cleopas also comes, which is why in some interpretations the two names refer to the same person.

• Father of the apostle James, called Malchius – one of the Twelve Apostles (Matt. 10:3; Luke 6:15). He is different from James, the son of Zebedee. According to some traditions, Alphaeus is also Cleopas, the husband of Mary – the sister (or close relative) of the Virgin Mary, mentioned in John 19:25. If this identification is correct, then James the Alphaeus would be a cousin of Jesus.

• Father of Levi, called Matthew – the future evangelist. In Mark 2:14 he is described as “Levi, the son of Alphaeus”, whom Jesus calls from the customs house. In the parallel account in Matthew 9:9 the same man is called Matthew, which suggests that Levi and Matthew are the same person. It is possible, but not certain, that this is the same Alphaeus, father of James the Less. Due to the prevalence of the name, the hypothesis of two different men named Alphaeus is also possible.

Etymology: From Hebrew: חַלְפַי (Alphaeus) with possible meanings: “replaced”, “intercessor” or “healing”. The Greek name Ἁλφαῖος (Alphaios) is a transcription of the Hebrew name. The name Cleopas (Cleopas) probably comes from the same Hebrew root, which gives grounds for the identification of the two names in some traditions.

Occurs in: Matt. 10:3 – James, son of Alphaeus; Luke 6:15 – also; Mark 2:14 – Levi (Matthew), son of Alphaeus; John 19:25, where Cleopas (“Mary of Cleophas”, possibly Alphaeus) is mentioned

Amalek, Amalekites

Amalek was a grandson of Esau (Edom) and the ancestor of the Amalekites – an ancient nomadic people, who are presented in the Bible as one of the fiercest enemies of Israel. They were the first people to attack the Israelites after the Exodus from Egypt (Ex. 17:8–16).

Amalek was the son of Eliphaz, the firstborn son of Esau, and his concubine Timna (Gen. 36:12). The Amalekites inhabited the southern part of Canaan and the Negev Desert – territories between Egypt and the land of the Philistines.

Amalek became a symbol of evil, blasphemy and enmity against God’s people. In the Jewish and Christian tradition, Amalek is interpreted allegorically – as an image of sin, carnal passions, Satan, or the internal enemy of faith. “The Lord will have war against Amalek from generation to generation” (Ex. 17:16)

According to the interpretive tradition, the complete destruction of Amalek (including offspring and livestock) has a spiritual meaning – that there should be nothing that would revive evil or pride against God.

Amen (Hebrew: אָמֵן – ʾāmēn, Greek: ἀμήν – amēn) is a liturgical and prayer word with which the believer confirms the truth of what has been said, expresses agreement, faith and trust. It is used at the end of prayers, psalms, blessings and confessions of faith, both in the Old and New Testaments.

Etymology: In Hebrew, אָמֵן (‘amen) comes from the root אָמַן (ʾmn), which means “to be firm, true, established”, “reliable”, “so be it”. In Greek and later in Church Slavonic and Bulgarian, the word is transcribed, but not translated – it is preserved as a sacred response.

Usage in Candle. Scripture: In the Old Testament: It is used in response to oaths, blessings and prayers. “And all the people said, Amen” (Deut. 27:15–26) It occurs frequently in the Psalms – e.g. Ps. 41:13; 72:19.

In the New Testament, Jesus often begins His statements with “Amen, amen I say to you” (Gr.: ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν – John 3:3 and many others), which means: “Truly, truly I say to you” – a sign of categoricalness and authority. The Apostle Paul ends blessings and prayers with “Amen” (Rom. 1:25; Gal. 1:5 and others).

Liturgical use: In the divine service, “Amen” is the response of the people to exclamations, litanies, prayers and blessings. It expresses the participation and agreement of all present in the prayer of the Church. It is repeated many times in the Divine Liturgy, especially after important theological formulas.

The word also has a Christological meaning: In Rev. 3:14 Christ is called: “The Amen, the faithful and true witness,” i.e. He Who is in Himself the incarnate Truth and Completion.

Amos the prophet

Amos the prophet (Hebrew: עָמוֹס – ʿĀmōs, Greek: Ἀμώς) is one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament, the author of the Book of the prophet Amos. He preached in the Northern Kingdom of Israel in the 8th century BC, during the time of King Jeroboam II (c. 786–746 BC).

Amos was a native of the village of Tekoa, south of Jerusalem (Amos 1:1), in the Kingdom of Judah. ​​By occupation he was a shepherd and farmer who grew “olive figs” (probably a type of wild fig or date) – (Amos 7:14). He did not belong to a prophetic school, but was called directly by God to speak to the people (Amos 7:15).

Amos was sent to prophesy in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, in a period of external prosperity, but internal decline, social injustice, idolatry, and formal piety.

Etymology: Amos (Hebrew: עָמוֹס) means “bearer,” “burden bearer” – perhaps symbolic of the burden of the prophetic call.

The book of Amos is part of the Twelve Minor Prophets (Tanakh: תרי עשר – Trei asar).

It is also quoted in the New Testament, e.g. in Acts 15:16–17, where the apostle James refers to Amos 9:11–12.

Amphipolis

Amphipolis (Greek: Ἀμφίπολις) is an ancient city in Macedonia, located near the Strymon River (modern Struma), about 5 km from the Aegean Sea. Its name means “city around a river” or “city surrounded by water”. In the New Testament, Amphipolis is mentioned in connection with the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul.

Founded by the Athenians in 437 BC, on the site of an older Thracian settlement. It became an important strategic and commercial center due to its proximity to gold mines and its key position on the Via Egnatia – a Roman road connecting the Adriatic Sea with Byzantium (later Constantinople). In the 1st century BC it became part of the Roman Empire and was the administrative center of one of the districts of the province of Macedonia.

During his second missionary journey, Paul passed through the city (c. 50 AD). Acts 17:1 shows that Paul did not stay long in the city—it is mentioned as a stopover on his journey from Philippi to Thessalonica. There is no record of him preaching there.

Found in: Acts 17:1 “Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.”

Ananias

In the Bible, the name Ananias refers to several different individuals, the most famous of which are in the New Testament:

1. Ananias—husband of Sapphira, mentioned in Acts 5:1–11. Together with his wife Sapphira, Ananias sold a piece of property and deliberately hid part of the money, presenting it as the full amount to the apostles. The apostle Peter rebuked him for lying, not to men, but to the Holy Spirit. Ananias died immediately after Peter told him this, and later Sapphira did too.

2. Ananias was a disciple in Damascus, mentioned in Acts 9:10–18; 22:12–16. A devout Jewish Christian living in Damascus. God appeared to him in a vision and sent him to Saul (the apostle Paul), who at that time had become blind after meeting the Risen Christ. Ananias healed Paul by laying on his hands and baptized him.

3. Ananias – high priest during the time of the apostle Paul, mentioned in Acts 23:2; 24:1. Acting high priest during Paul’s arrest and questioning before the Sanhedrin. He ordered those standing by Paul to strike him on the mouth (Acts 23:2), to which the apostle reacted sharply. In 57 AD, he sent the accusation against Paul through rhetoric by Tertullus to the Roman governor Felix (Acts 24:1). Historically confirmed as high priest between 47–59 AD; murdered by Jewish zealots at the beginning of the Jewish Revolt.

Etymology: Hebrew: חֲנַנְיָה (Ḥanan’yah) – “The Lord is gracious” or “Grace from Yahweh”. Greek: Ἁνανίας (Hananías). The name is close to other theophoric names such as Johanan, Jehonathan, and Daniel, expressing God’s goodness.

Found in: Acts 5:1–11 – Ananias and Sapphira; Acts 9:10–18; 22:12–16 – Ananias of Damascus; Acts 23:2; 24:1 – Ananias the high priest.

Anathema

Anathema (Greek: ἀνάθεμα / ἀνάθημα, “curse”, “dedicated to destruction”) is a term used in the Bible, church tradition and canon law. In general, it means: excommunication from communion with the Church; surrender to God’s judgment; condemnation of heresy or blasphemy.

In classical Greek, the word ἀνάθημα means “dedication (to the gods)”, but in biblical and Christian contexts ἀνάθεμα takes on the meaning of something set apart for complete destruction, unclean, under oath.

In the Old Testament, an anathema is something dedicated to God by complete extermination, sworn destruction. For example, in Joshua 6:16 (concerning Jericho): “The city will be under a curse [anathema], and everything in it will be for the Lord (of hosts)”.

In the New Testament, the term is used in a spiritual sense for excommunication from the body of Christ: 1 Cor. 16:22: “If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema, maranatha!” Gal. 1:8–9: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.”

Andrew

Andrew was one of the first apostles called by Jesus. He was the brother of the apostle Peter, and they were from Bethsaida. The brothers were fishermen and had a home in Capernaum (Mark 1:16, 29). Before following Jesus, Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist, and later became one of the 12 disciples who formed Jesus’ inner circle and were accordingly called apostles, messengers (Matt. 10:2; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). After the ascension of Christ, he preached in various lands. He died a martyr in Patras, and the X-shaped cross on which he was crucified became a universal sign of missionary sacrifice.

He is considered the founder of the Constantinople episcopal see. He is revered in Ukraine and Russia as the first preacher on the Dnieper River. He is the national patron of Scotland (from the 8th century), and was also declared the protector of Romania.

Etymology: Greek. Ἀνδρέας; Latin. Andreas. The name comes from the Greek. word ἀνδήρ / ἀνδρός “man, warrior” and means “manly, brave”. Therefore, even in early sources he bears a mark of valor. In the Eastern tradition, the apostle receives the title “first-called” (Greek. πρωτόκλητος), because he was the first to respond to the call of Christ (John 1:40).

In 357, his relics were transferred to Constantinople, and in 1208 they were taken by the Crusaders to Amalfi, Italy. In 1964, his head was returned to Patras.

Found in: John 1:35-42, 44; 6:8-9; 12:20-22; Matt. 4:18-20; Mark 1:16-18; 13:3; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13, etc.

Anna

Anna was the mother of the prophet Samuel. She was an example of faith and constant prayer. After being childless for a long time, God gave her a son in answer to her prayers. Anna dedicated Samuel to service in the temple. The Song of Hannah (1 Sam. 2:1–10) is a hymn of thanksgiving to the Lord. Anna bore her husband three more sons and two daughters.

Etymology: Hebrew: חַנָּה — Ḥannāh, “grace, mercy”; Greek: Ἅννα; Latin: Anna. The root ḥ-n-n in biblical Hebrew means “to show favor, to bestow mercy” (cf. Ps. 117:2). The name Anna indicates the manifestation of God’s grace to a barren woman who becomes the mother of a prophet.

Found in: 1 Sam. 1–2 chs.

Anna the prophetess

Anna the prophetess (Hebrew: חַנָּה , meaning “grace”, “mercy”. Greek: Ἄννα ἡ προφήτις) is an elderly prophetess mentioned in the Gospel of Luke (2:36–38). She was the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher, one of the northern tribes of Israel. Anna is described as a widow who, after seven years of marriage, lived in the temple and did not depart from it, serving God with fasting and prayer day and night. Anna witnessed the presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple by Joseph and Mary. Together with Simeon the God-Receiver, she represented those awaiting the deliverance of Israel. She recognized in the Infant the promised Messiah. In the Orthodox Church, Anna the Prophetess is celebrated on February 3, the day after the Presentation of the Lord.

Annas the High Priest

Annas was a former Jewish high priest of the line of Aaron who played a major role in the events surrounding the trial of Jesus Christ. Although his son-in-law Caiaphas was the official high priest at the time of the crucifixion, Annas remained an influential figure and exercised considerable power behind the scenes. The high priest under the Mosaic Law was to serve for life, but Roman authorities often replaced him for political reasons.

Annas was a high priest appointed by the Roman governor Quirinius around 6 AD. He served officially until 15 AD, when he was deposed by the Romans, but five of his sons and his son-in-law Caiaphas also held the office, indicating dynastic control over the high priesthood.

Occurs in: John 18:13: When Jesus was arrested, He was taken first to Annas before being brought before Caiaphas.

Acts 4:6: His name is mentioned again in the account of the interrogation of the apostles Peter and John – along with Caiaphas and others of the “high priestly family”.

Antioch the Great

Antioch the Great was a large city in Syria, an important center of early Christianity. It was called Syrian or Great. After the persecutions that began with the murder of Archdeacon Stephen, Christians fleeing from Jerusalem arrived in Antioch and began to preach the gospel – initially only among the Jews, but soon after also among the Greek-speaking inhabitants of the city (Acts 11:19ff). Thus, a large Christian community arose in Antioch (21st century). There, for the first time, the disciples of Jesus were called “Christians” (26th century). The city was the starting point for the missionary journeys of the apostle Paul.

Aid was sent from Antioch to the brothers suffering from famine in Judea (Acts 11:29–30). When disputes arose over the law and circumcision involving believers from Judea, Paul and Barnabas were sent from Antioch to Jerusalem to resolve the issue—an event known as the Jerusalem or Apostolic Council (Acts 15:1–3).

Ancient Antioch is now within Turkey and is called Antakya. Antioch is still used today in the names of the Patriarchate of Antioch (Eastern Orthodox) and the Patriarchate of Antioch, Syriac Orthodox (of the pre-Chalcedonian family of churches), although both have their headquarters in Damascus, Syria.

Found in: Acts 11:19–26; Acts 13:1–3.

Antioch of Pisidia

Antioch of Pisidia (Greek: Ἀντιόχεια τῆς Πισιδίας, Latin: Antiochia Pisidiae) was an ancient city in Asia Minor, located near the border between the regions of Phrygia and Pisidia, in what is now Turkey (near the modern city of Yalvaç). It was one of the cities founded by the Seleucids and named after King Antiochus, and was an important Roman administrative and military center. The city was a Roman colony (Colonia Caesarea), with a population of veterans, Greeks, and natives, as well as a significant Jewish community. As a colony, it had Roman rights and structure, which explains the rapid spread of the new teaching among the pagans.

In the New Testament: Antioch of Pisidia has an important place in the life and missionary activity of the apostle Paul:

Acts 13:14–52: During their first missionary journey (c. 46–48 AD), the apostles Paul and Barnabas visit Antioch after leaving Cyprus and Perga. They enter the synagogue and Paul delivers a long sermon in which he tells of God’s work in the history of Israel, concluding with the good news of the resurrected Jesus Christ. At first, many listen with interest, including Gentiles, but the Jewish leaders reject them and drive them out of the city. Antioch of Pisidia becomes one of the first cities where a mixed Christian community of Jews and Gentiles is established.

Antipas Herod

Herod Antipas (Greek: Ἡρῴδης Ἀντίπας, Latin: Herodes Antipas) was the son of Herod the Great and one of the key political figures in the New Testament. He ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea from about 4 BC to 39 AD – the time of Jesus Christ and John the Baptist. Although he bore the name “king” in common speech, his official title was tetrarch, i.e. ruler of a quarter of his father’s kingdom.

In the New Testament: John the Baptist denounced Herod for his illicit marriage to Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. For this, Antipas threw him into prison and later, at the insistence of Herodias and her daughter (Salome), ordered John to be beheaded (Mark 6:17–29; Matt. 14:1–12).

Jesus Christ calls Herod a “fox” – an expression of contempt for his treachery and immorality (Luke 13:32).

During the trial of Jesus, Pilate sends Christ to Herod, since He is from Galilee. Antipas, hoping to see a miracle, questions Jesus, but after receiving no answer, mocks Him, dresses Him in a shining garment, and returns Him to Pilate (Luke 23:6–12). This episode is the only direct encounter between Jesus and Antipas.

Antipas of Pergamum

Antipas of Pergamum (Greek: Ἄντιπας) was an early Christian martyr, mentioned in Rev. 2:13, as “Antipas, my faithful witness, was killed among you, where Satan dwells.” He is part of the message of the risen Christ to the church in Pergamum – a city known for its emperor worship and its many pagan temples. Pergamum (today Bergama, Turkey) was a center of imperial cult and pagan religion, with the famous temple of Asclepius, the “healing god”, symbolized by a snake, which is a possible connection with the “satanic throne”.

According to church tradition, St. Antipas was bishop of Pergamum, appointed by the apostle John. He refused to worship the pagan gods and the emperor, and was subjected to cruel torture – according to some sources, roasted alive in a bronze bull – a vessel used for executions.

Antipatris (Greek: Ἀντιπατρίς, Latin: Antipatris) is an ancient city in Palestine, mentioned in Acts 23:31, in connection with the transfer of the apostle Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea under armed escort. The city was located about 50 km northwest of Jerusalem and about 25 km southeast of Caesarea, at the foot of the hills leading to the coastal plain. The city was rebuilt and renamed by Herod the Great in honor of his father Antipater, who was an Idumean and an influential politician in Judea during the time of Roman rule. It is located on the site of an earlier city known as Aphek, mentioned in the Old Testament (e.g. Joshua 12:18; 1 Sam. 4:1). Due to its abundance of water and strategic location, Antipatris served as an important stop on the Roman road between Jerusalem and Caesarea. The place was convenient for camping and guarding, so the Roman soldiers stopped there with the apostle Paul before taking him to Caesarea to the governor Felix.

It is found in Acts 23:31: “the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris.”

Antichrist

Antichrist (Greek: ἀντίχριστος – “against Christ”, “instead of Christ”). In Candlemas. In Scripture, the term antichrist is found only in the epistles of St. John the Theologian:

1 John 2:18 – “As you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come..”

1 John 2:22 – “Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son…”

1 John 4:3 – “…and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not from God; this is the spirit of antichrist.”

2 John 1:7 – “For many deceivers have entered into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; this is the deceiver and the antichrist…”

Although the name “Antichrist” itself is not used in other books of the New Testament, his image is identified with: “the man of sin, the son of perdition” (2 Thess. 2:3), “the beast from the sea” in Revelation 13, “false prophets and false messiahs” (Matt. 24:24; Mark 13:22), “who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (2 Thess. 2:4).

Etymology: ἀντί (anti) – “against”, but also “instead”; χριστός – “Anointed One”, Christ. Therefore, Antichrist can mean both an enemy of Christ and a false substitute who presents himself as the true Christ.

Aquila

Aquila was a Jew, originally from Pontus, mentioned in the New Testament as a Christian and companion of the apostle Paul. Together with his wife Priscilla (or Prisca), Aquila was a tentmaker, which brought him closer to the apostle Paul during his stay in Corinth, because the apostle had the same trade. Aquila and Priscilla became active members of the early church – their home often served as a place for believers to gather. The two of them taught Apollos, an educated preacher from Alexandria, in the faith. Paul calls them his “fellow workers in Christ Jesus” and expresses gratitude for risking their lives for him. They are always mentioned together, and in the Greek text in four of the six cases the woman’s name is mentioned first.

Etymology: The name “Aquila” (Greek: Ἀκύλας) is Latin in origin (from aquila, “eagle”), which suggests a possible Roman origin.

Found in: Acts 18:2–3, 18, 26; Rom. 16:3; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Tim. 4:19.

Appian Way

The Appian Way (Acts 28:15) is a place where the apostle Paul was met by Roman Christians when he was walking from Puteoli to Rome as a prisoner, under the supervision of a centurion. It was located 60 versts from Rome. This place is identified with Tripontium and is on the road to Naples. Its name is explained by the fact that it was located on the famous Appian Way, leading from Rome to Capua and built (in 312 BC) by the censor Appius Claudius; it had a forum, or commercial market, with inns for travelers, where small merchants gathered in large numbers.

Apollonia

Apollonia (Greek: Ἀπολλωνία) was an ancient city in the province of Macedonia, mentioned in Acts 17:1 as a stopover on the way of the apostle Paul and Silas during their second missionary journey. It was located between the cities of Philippi and Thessalonica, on the main Roman road Via Egnatia, which connected the Adriatic and Aegean Seas, and probably had a mixed population of Greeks, Romans, and Jews. Its name comes from the pagan god Apollo, in whose honor many cities of the same name were founded in the Hellenistic world.

Acts 17:1: “Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.”