Topical Encyclopedia
Phenice, also known as Phoenix, is a location mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Acts. It is a harbor on the island of Crete, which played a significant role in the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome.
Biblical Reference:The primary reference to Phenice is found in
Acts 27:12, where it is described as a harbor on the southern coast of Crete. The passage reads: "Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided to sail on, hoping somehow to reach Phoenix, a harbor in Crete facing both southwest and northwest, and winter there" (
Acts 27:12). This verse highlights the strategic importance of Phenice as a safe wintering location for ships during Paul's voyage.
Geographical Context:Phenice is located on the island of Crete, which is the largest of the Greek islands and situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The harbor of Phenice was considered more suitable for wintering than Fair Havens, another harbor on Crete, due to its orientation and protection from prevailing winds. The description of Phenice as facing both southwest and northwest suggests it provided a more secure anchorage for ships during the stormy winter months.
Historical and Cultural Significance:In the first century, Crete was a significant hub for maritime trade and travel. The island's strategic location made it a crossroads for various cultures and peoples, contributing to its diverse population and rich history. Phenice, as a harbor, would have been a bustling center of activity, frequented by merchants, travelers, and sailors from across the Mediterranean region.
The decision to attempt to reach Phenice, despite the risks involved in sailing during the stormy season, underscores the challenges faced by ancient mariners and the importance of finding a safe harbor. This decision ultimately led to the shipwreck on the island of Malta, as recounted later in
Acts 27.
Theological Implications:The account of Paul's journey, including the mention of Phenice, serves as a testament to God's providence and protection over His servants. Despite the perilous circumstances, Paul remained steadfast in his faith, trusting in God's promise that he would stand trial before Caesar in Rome (
Acts 27:24). The narrative illustrates the theme of divine guidance and the fulfillment of God's purposes, even amidst human plans and natural obstacles.
Phenice, therefore, is not merely a geographical location but a part of the larger narrative of Paul's mission and the spread of the Gospel. It serves as a reminder of the early Christian commitment to evangelism and the reliance on God's sovereignty in the face of adversity.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
PhenicePhoenicia, red; purple
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Phenice(Acts 27:12) (more properly Phoenix, as it is translated in the Revised Version), the name of a haven in Crete on the south coast. The name was no doubt derived from the Greek word for the palm tree, which Theophrastus says was indigenous in the island. It is the modernLutro . [SeePHOENICE, PHOENICIA; PHOENICIA]
ATS Bible Dictionary
PheniceA city near the south coast of Crete, having a harbor, now called Lutro, opening to the southeast. Paul, on his voyage to Rome from Caesarea, was unable to made this port,Acts 27:12.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Properly Phoenix a palm-tree (as in the R.V.), a town with a harbour on the southern side of Crete (
Acts 27:12), west of the Fair Havens. It is now called Lutro.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PHENICEfe-ni'-se.
SeePHOENICIA;PHOENIX.
Greek
5405. Phoinix -- a Phoenician (an inhabitant of Phoenicia)...... of Phoenicia), Phoenix (a city of Crete) NASB Word Usage Phoenix (1).
Phenice. Probably
the same as phoinix; Phoenix, a place in Crete --
Phenice.
...5403. Phoinike -- Phoenicia, a region North of Galilee
... Phoenicia. From phoinix; palm-country; Phoenice (or Phoenicia), a region of Palestine --
Phenice, Phenicia. see GREEK phoinix. (phoiniken) -- 2 Occurrences....
Library
Acts xi. 19
... Homily XXV. Acts XI. 19. Acts XI.19 "Now they which were scattered abroad upon the
persecution that rose about Stephen travelled as far asPhenice, and Cyprus...
Acts xxvi. 30-32
... And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to
depart thence also, if by any means they might attain toPhenice, and there to...
The Gospel Message in Antioch
... Some of the disciples "traveled as far asPhenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching
the word." Their labors were usually confined to the Hebrew and Greek Jews...
The Voyage and Shipwreck
... which they had anchored "was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised
to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain toPhenice, and there...
Acts xv. 1
... but he complied for their sakes. "And being brought on their way by the Church,
they passed throughPhenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the...
The Breaking Out of Discord
... go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.3. And being
brought on their way by the church, they passed throughPhenice and Samaria...
Letter clxv. (AD 410. )
... Scripture in the words concerning Ishmael, "He shall dwell in the presence of his
brethren," [2709] swept over the whole of Egypt, Palestine,Phenice, and Syria...
From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
... (2) From Myra to the Island of Malta. On this voyage they touched at Fair Havens,
tried to reachPhenice and had fourteen days of storm....
Acts xx. 32
... had come) was making a stay there: wherefore they shifted to another, and not having
found one going to C??sarea, but (finding this) forPhenice, they embarked...
Letter xiii. Christian Activity.
... that were scattered abroad went everywhere, preaching the word." And afterwards,
in the 11th chapter, 19th verse, we hear of them as far asPhenice and Cyprus...
Thesaurus
Phenice (3 Occurrences)... It is now called Lutro. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
PHENICE. fe-ni'-se. See
PHOENICIA; PHOENIX. Multi-Version Concordance
Phenice (3 Occurrences).
...Phenicia (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Acts 21:2) =Phenice (11:19; 15:3; RV, Phoenicia),
Gr. phoinix, "a palm", the land of palm-trees; a strip...
Northeast (1 Occurrence)
... There is good reason for identifying Phoenix (the King James Version "Phenice")
with Loutro on the south shore of Crete (EB, under the word "Phenice"), whose...
Southeast (2 Occurrences)
... There is good reason for identifying Phoenix (the King James Version "Phenice")
with Loutro on the south shore of Crete (EB, under the word "Phenice"), whose...
Northwest (1 Occurrence)
... being incommodious to winter in, the more part gave counsel to sail thence also,
if by any means they might be able, having attained toPhenice, 'there' to...
North-west (1 Occurrence)
... And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the greater part advised
to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain toPhenice, and there...
Unsuitable (1 Occurrence)
... being incommodious to winter in, the more part gave counsel to sail thence also,
if by any means they might be able, having attained toPhenice, 'there' to...
Lieth (135 Occurrences)
... 12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised
to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain toPhenice, and there...
Incommodious (1 Occurrence)
... being incommodious to winter in, the more part gave counsel to sail thence also,
if by any means they might be able, having attained toPhenice, 'there' to...
Travelled (7 Occurrences)
... Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose
about Stephen travelled as far asPhenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching...
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