Location
Overview
Ptolemais — the ancient Acco — was a major harbour on the Mediterranean coast between Tyre and Caesarea. It appears as a stop on Paul's final journey toward Jerusalem.
A day with the brethren
"When we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day" (Acts 21:7) — a brief but warm fellowship with an established church on the coast.
An ancient unconquered city
Under its old name Accho it had been allotted to Asher, "neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho" (Judges 1:31), remaining a Canaanite and then Phoenician stronghold for centuries.
A great harbour through the ages
Renamed Ptolemais under the Greeks, the port flourished for millennia and later became the Crusader stronghold of Acre.
Events Here
Paul greets the believers at Ptolemais on his way to Jerusalem
Scripture References
2 versesJudges1 verse
Judges 1:31
Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:
Acts1 verse
Acts 21:7
And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
Archaeology & History
Ptolemais is the historic port city of Acre (Akko) in northern Israel — one of the oldest continuously inhabited harbour towns in the world, named "Ptolemais" in the Hellenistic period and famous later as a great Crusader city. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Frequently asked about Ptolemais (Acco)
Where is Ptolemais (Acco) today?
Today, Ptolemais (Acco) corresponds to Acre (Akko), Israel.
What does the name Ptolemais (Acco) mean?
The name Ptolemais (Acco) means “Named for a Ptolemy”.
What happened at Ptolemais (Acco) in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Ptolemais (Acco) include paul greets the believers at ptolemais on his way to jerusalem.
Where is Ptolemais (Acco) first mentioned in the Bible?
Ptolemais (Acco) is first mentioned in Judges 1:31.
How often is Ptolemais (Acco) mentioned in the Bible?
Ptolemais (Acco) is mentioned in 2 verses across 2 books: Judges, Acts.
What is Ptolemais?
The ancient port city of Acco (modern Acre/Akko), where Paul spent a day with the believers on his way to Jerusalem (Acts 21:7).
Is Ptolemais the same as Acco?
Yes — "Ptolemais" is the Greek-era name of the city the Old Testament calls Accho, today Acre (Akko) in Israel.