Topical Encyclopedia
Cretans are the inhabitants of the island of Crete, located in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete holds a significant place in biblical history and is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. The island is known for its ancient civilization, the Minoans, and its strategic location, which made it a hub for trade and cultural exchange in the ancient world.
Biblical References:1.
Acts 2:11 · Cretans are mentioned in the context of the Day of Pentecost. Jews and converts to Judaism from Crete were present in Jerusalem and heard the apostles speaking in their own languages. The verse states, "both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" . This highlights the diverse audience that witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the universality of the Gospel message.
2.
Titus 1:12 · The Apostle Paul references Cretans in his letter to Titus, who was overseeing the churches in Crete. Paul quotes a Cretan prophet, saying, "One of their own prophets has said, 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.'" . This quote, attributed to Epimenides, reflects the negative stereotype of Cretans in the ancient world. Paul uses this cultural perception to emphasize the need for sound doctrine and moral integrity among the believers in Crete.
Cultural and Historical Context:Crete was known in antiquity for its complex society and advanced culture, which included the development of writing systems and impressive architectural achievements. However, by the time of the New Testament, Crete had a reputation for moral laxity and deceit, as reflected in the writings of both Greek and Roman authors.
The island's strategic location made it a melting pot of various cultures and beliefs, which may have contributed to the challenges faced by the early Christian community there. The presence of Cretans at Pentecost suggests that the Gospel reached the island early in the Christian era, and the establishment of churches in Crete is evidenced by Paul's letter to Titus.
Theological Significance:The mention of Cretans in the New Testament underscores the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Despite their negative reputation, Cretans were among those who heard the message of Christ and were part of the early church. Paul's instructions to Titus highlight the transformative power of the Gospel to change lives and communities, regardless of cultural background.
The reference to Cretans also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by early Christians in maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity in a diverse and often hostile cultural environment. The call to uphold truth and righteousness is a timeless message for believers, emphasizing the importance of living out the Gospel in every aspect of life.
Greek
2912. Kres -- a Cretan... Word Origin from Krete Definition a Cretan NASB Word Usage
Cretans (2). Crete, Cretian.
From Krete; a Cretan, ie Inhabitant of Crete -- Crete, Cretian.
...Library
He Next Says of Us, that "We Ridicule those who Worship Jupiter...
... out in the island of Crete; and yet we worship him who rose from the tomb, [3566]
although ignorant of the grounds [3567] on which theCretans observe such a...
Titus i. 14-Dec
... It is this. TheCretans have a tomb of Jupiter, with this inscription.... The poet said
that theCretans were liars for saying that Jupiter was dead....
The Emperor Theodosius by Salaminius Hermias Sozomen, and Proposal...
... Thou showest greater personal favor toward the speakers than the ancientCretans
did toward the much-sung Homer; or the Alevad?? did to Simonides; or Dionysius...
The Christians are Hated Unjustly.
... The tomb of Olympian Zeus is shown among you, [495] though some one says that the
Cretans are liars. [496] Your assembly of many gods is nothing....
Succession of Philosophers in Greece.
... as a Greek prophet, whom he mentions in the Epistle to Titus, where he speaks thus:
"One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, TheCretans are always...
Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came...
... If any one is in doubt about the prophets of the Gentiles, let him hear what Paul
says when writing of theCretans to Titus: "A prophet of their own has said...
The Epistle to Titus
... Probably the island was evangelized soon after the first Pentecost by those
Cretans that were converted at Jerusalem, Acts 2:11....
Paul Before his Conversion.
... phtheirousin ethe chresta homiliai kakai. "Evil associations corrupt good manners.".
[351] Tit. 1:12. Kretes aei pseustai, kaka theria, gasteres argai. "Cretans...
Pastoral and Personal
... Special moral and spiritual fitness is set forth as necessary in view of the peculiar
character of theCretans and certain forms of doctrinal error....
Greek-Amerikan-Christian-Association
... nearly a billion drachmas national debt, hanging upon the neck of every Greek, like
the Damoclean sword, but there is no deliverance for theCretans, and there...
Thesaurus
Cretans (3 Occurrences)...Cretans (3 Occurrences).
... Others are visitors from Rome--being either Jews or converts
from heathenism--and others are
Cretans or Arabians. (WEY).
...Crete (7 Occurrences)
... The character of the people is described in Paul's quotation from "one of their
own poets" (Epimenides) in his epistle to Titus: "TheCretans are alway liars...
Converts (9 Occurrences)
... Cyrene. Others are visitors from Rome--being either Jews or converts from
heathenism--and others areCretans or Arabians. (WEY)....
Arabians (8 Occurrences)
... Cyrene. Others are visitors from Rome--being either Jews or converts from
heathenism--and others areCretans or Arabians. (WEY)....
Crest (2 Occurrences)
Philistines (224 Occurrences)
... The Septuagint renders the word with Kretes or Kretoi; and, about 1770 AD, Michaelis
(Spicil., I, 292-308) argued that this meant "Cretans," and that the...
Judaism (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Judaism (5 Occurrences). Acts 2:11Cretans and Arabians:
we hear them speaking in our languages the mighty works of God!" (See NIV)....
Lazy (10 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Titus 1:12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, has said,Cretans
are always liars, evil wild beasts, lazy gluttons. (DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Liars (14 Occurrences)
... Titus 1:12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars,
evil beasts, and idle gluttons." (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Gluttons (3 Occurrences)
... Titus 1:12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars,
evil beasts, and idle gluttons." (WEB WEY ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)....
Resources
What does it mean that all Cretans are liars? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Epimenides Paradox? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is social ethics? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
