100 Reasons to Believe New Testament History
44. Correct Title in Thessalonica – Politarchs
In Acts 17:1-9, we read of Paul’s adventures in the Macedonian city of Thessalonica. Because of Paul’s preaching we are told that many believed in Jesus, but not without strong opposition from the Jewish presence there. A riot ensued and Paul’s friend Jason was brought before the “rulers” of the city.
The term used for ruler is the Greek “politarchos”. Because it was known only from Acts, many had assumed that Luke had erred in its use A. Today we know that the term was widely used in Macedonian towns. Some nineteen inscriptions with this term have been found to date, ranging from the second century B.C. to the third century A.D. In the majority of cases the reference is to magistrates of Macedonian cities. Of these, five refer specifically to Thessalonica. Again, Luke proves to be an accurate, well-informed historian B.
44. Correct Title in Thessalonica – Politarchs - Notes and References
A. “The Greek text of Acts 17:6,8, Luke twice called the rulers of the city politarchs. Since the term was unknown elsewhere, Luke’s critics dismissed the word as yet another mistake. Yet, even today this word can be read high and clear in an arch spanning a street of modern Salonika, and sixteen other examples occur.” E.M. Blaiklock, The Archaeology of the New Testament”, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1984, p. 94
B. “Acts is particular and well-informed about Thessalonica. The author knows the correct and fairly unusual title of the city magistrates…This title was replaced in a later age by the more common First Ruler.” A.N. Sherwin-White, “Roman Law and Roman Society in the New Testament”, Baker Book House, 1992, reprint of 1963 Ed., p 96