What was Ptolemais?

Ptolemais (Greek: Πτολεμαΐς, Ptolemaïs) was a significant port city on the Mediterranean coast of ancient Phoenicia, known today as modern-day Acre in northern Israel. The name “Ptolemais” was given to the city during the Hellenistic period, likely in honor of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the Greek ruler of Egypt. In earlier times, it was known as Acco (Hebrew: עַכּוֹ, Akko), a name that appears in the Old Testament (Judges 1:31).

In the New Testament, Ptolemais is mentioned in Acts 21:7 as a stopping point for the Apostle Paul during his journey to Jerusalem. The city had a community of believers who warmly received Paul and his companions.

“We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day.”
— Acts 21:7 (NIV)

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Acts 21:7 – Paul’s brief visit and fellowship with the local believers.

• Judges 1:31 – The city of Acco, which the tribe of Asher failed to conquer.

• 1 Kings 4:16 – Acco possibly included in the administrative districts under King Solomon’s rule.

• Joshua 19:30 – Acco was within the territorial inheritance of the tribe of Asher.

What Happened in the Bible

As Paul made his final journey to Jerusalem, knowing that persecution awaited him, he traveled along the coast from Tyre. He stopped at Ptolemais for a day, where he was warmly welcomed by the local Christian community. Though the passage is brief, it reveals the growing network of believers scattered across the Mediterranean. These Christian communities were already established even in cities not heavily emphasized in earlier missionary journeys, indicating the early expansion of the gospel.

Paul’s stay in Ptolemais was short but intentional. It involved fellowship and encouragement, a common practice among early Christians who shared deep bonds in Christ regardless of geography.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Ptolemais reminds today’s believers of the importance of hospitality, fellowship, and unity in the body of Christ. Though Paul’s time there was limited to a day, the presence of a welcoming Christian community had eternal value. Even short visits, brief moments of encouragement, and shared meals can be significant acts of ministry.

The passage encourages churches and believers to be ready to receive and strengthen one another, even when it is inconvenient or brief. It also shows that the gospel had taken root far and wide—a testimony to the Spirit’s work and the obedience of the early church to Jesus’ command to be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

How Ptolemais Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Though Jesus never visited Ptolemais in the gospel accounts, the fact that believers were present there by the time of Paul’s journey reveals the ongoing impact of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. The gospel was not limited to Jerusalem or Judea but had spread to Gentile regions like Phoenicia.

Ptolemais reflects the gospel’s reach across cultural and geographical barriers, a fulfillment of Jesus‘ mission to bring salvation not just to the Jews, but to all nations. Paul, a servant of Christ, was on a mission patterned after Jesus—one of humility, sacrifice, and purposeful obedience, even in the face of coming suffering.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. The Spread of the Gospel

Ptolemais stands as an example of how the early Christian faith quickly spread through the Roman Empire via trade routes, ports, and key cities. The gospel reached cities of different cultural backgrounds, showing that no place was beyond God’s reach.

2. Christian Fellowship

The warm welcome Paul received shows the spiritual kinship among early Christians. Fellowship was not just social but spiritually intentional, strengthening each other for ministry and mission.

3. Mission Amid Uncertainty

Paul’s journey to Jerusalem, marked by prophetic warnings and danger, parallels Christ’s journey to the cross. His stop at Ptolemais is a reminder that God provides moments of rest and encouragement, even as His servants walk toward trials.

4. Obedience and Suffering

Paul‘s stop in Ptolemais is part of his final, deliberate journey toward suffering in Jerusalem. This highlights the biblical theme that obedience to God’s will often includes hardship, but also divine presence and provision along the way.

Reflection Questions

1. How can we practice biblical hospitality like the believers in Ptolemais?

2. What role does Christian fellowship play in preparing us for obedience in times of trial?

3. Are we willing to be used by God—even briefly—to strengthen another believer’s journey?

4. How does the global reach of the gospel, even to small cities like Ptolemais, encourage our view of missions today?

5. In what ways can your church or small group embody the spirit of unity seen in Acts 21:7?

Ptolemais may only occupy one verse in the Book of Acts, but it stands as a testimony to the ever-expanding work of the gospel and the faithfulness of early believers to be a refuge and support for those carrying it forward.