patara Summary and Overview

a city on the south-west coast of Lycia at which Paul landed on his return from his third missionary journey (Acts 21:1, 2). Here he found a larger vessel, which was about to sail across the open sea to the coast of Phoenicia. In this vessel he set forth, and reached the city of Tyre in perhaps two or three days.

(city of Patarus), a Lycian city situated on the southwestern shore of Lycia, not far from the left bank of the river Xanthus. The coast here is very mountainous and bold. Immediately opposite is the island of Rhodes. Patara was practically the seaport of the city of Xanthus, which was ten miles distant. These notices of its position and maritime importance introduce us to the single mention of the place in the Bible -- #Ac 21:1,2|

PAT'ARA , a seaport-town on the south-west shore of Lycia, near the left bank of Xanthus, and opposite Rhodes. Acts 21:1-2. It was about 7 miles east of the mouth of the river, had a convenient harbor, and was visited by ships of all nations. The gospel was early preached there, and it became the seat of a bishopric and was represented in the Council of Nice. The city was given up to the worship of Apollo, its founder, Patarus, being reputed to be a son of that god. Patara is now in ruins, but retains its ancient name. The remains prove it to have been a city of considerable importance. Among them are a theatre, some massive walls and arches, a gate of the city with three arches nearly perfect, and numerous sarcophagi. Near the theatre is a deep circular pit, and a square pillar rising above it, which Lewin thinks was the seat of the oracle of Patareus Apollo. The port is completely filled with sand, and is a malarious swamp; all communication with the sea is cut off by a sand-beach, and the sand is also gradually encroaching upon the ruins.

A city on the S.W. shore of Lycia, near the left bank of the Xanthus and opposite Rhodes (Acts 21:1-2). Paul coming from Rhodes at the end of his third missionary journey here found a ship going to Phoenicia, and in it completed his voyage. The seat of a bishopric subsequently. The river and harbor are now becoming choked with sand.