Greece, in the region of Epirus, near the city of Preveza (traditional identification)

Nicopolis

Meaning
Nicopolis means "city of victory" in Greek. Emperor Augustus founded it to celebrate his naval victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium, and it is the place where Paul, near the end of his ministry, decided to spend the winter according to his letter to Titus.
About the place

Nicopolis was founded by Emperor Augustus around 29 BC to celebrate his naval victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium. There was more than one city with this name in the ancient world, but tradition identifies this one as Nicopolis in Epirus, Greece, the most well known among them.

The only biblical record of the place is in Paul’s letter to Titus. Paul asks Titus to come meet him there as soon as Artemas or Tychicus arrived in Crete to take his place, for he had decided to spend the winter in Nicopolis.

The request reveals Paul’s care in planning his mission and building a network of trustworthy coworkers. Even near the end of his life, he kept moving and calling others to the work of the gospel.

Key verses

As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.

Titus 3:12

What happened here

Paul decides to spend the winter in Nicopolis

In his letter to Titus, Paul explains that he has decided to winter in Nicopolis and asks Titus to join him as soon as Artemas or Tychicus arrives in Crete to replace him.

Titus 3:12
People linked to this place
P

Paul

Planned to spend the winter here

T

Titus

Was invited by Paul to come here

Books where it appears

Titus

Paul's letter mentioning his plan to spend the winter here

The place today
The place today

Nicopolis lies in Greece, in the region of Epirus, near the modern city of Preveza. The site was founded by Emperor Augustus to commemorate his victory at Actium and later became the capital of the Roman province of Epirus.

The archaeological site, known as Palaia Preveza, preserves a theater, a gymnasium, an aqueduct and Christian basilicas from the fifth and sixth centuries, showing that the city continued flourishing as a Christian center long after Paul.

The city built to celebrate a Roman military victory ended up being visited by an apostle who proclaimed Christ's victory over sin. Pray for Greece, a land where so many New Testament letters were written or read.

Pray for this nation today: Grécia

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