Topical Encyclopedia
Pyrrhus, a name not directly mentioned in the canonical texts of the Bible, is often associated with historical and cultural contexts that intersect with biblical narratives. The name Pyrrhus is most famously linked to Pyrrhus of Epirus, a Greek king and general who lived from 319/318 to 272 BC. His military campaigns and the concept of a "Pyrrhic victory" have been subjects of interest in understanding the broader historical backdrop of the Hellenistic period, which overlaps with the intertestamental period of Jewish history.
Historical ContextPyrrhus of Epirus was a prominent figure in the Hellenistic world, known for his conflicts with Rome and his attempts to expand his kingdom. His most notable military engagements were against the Roman Republic during the Pyrrhic War (280–275 BC). Despite achieving victories in battles such as Heraclea and Asculum, his heavy losses led to the term "Pyrrhic victory," describing a win that comes at such a great cost that it is tantamount to defeat.
Relevance to Biblical StudiesWhile Pyrrhus himself is not mentioned in the Bible, understanding his era provides insight into the geopolitical landscape during the intertestamental period. This was a time when Jewish society was under the influence of Hellenistic culture following the conquests of Alexander the Great. The spread of Hellenism had significant implications for Jewish life, religion, and politics, setting the stage for the Maccabean Revolt and the eventual rise of the Hasmonean dynasty.
The cultural and political tensions of this period are reflected in the deuterocanonical books, such as 1 and 2 Maccabees, which, while not part of the Protestant canon, offer valuable historical context. These texts describe the struggle of the Jewish people to maintain their religious identity against the encroaching influence of Hellenistic rulers, a struggle that would have been contemporaneous with the broader Hellenistic conflicts involving figures like Pyrrhus.
Biblical Themes and LessonsThe account of Pyrrhus and the concept of a Pyrrhic victory can serve as a metaphorical lesson within a biblical framework. The Bible often emphasizes the importance of spiritual victories over worldly successes. In
Matthew 16:26 , Jesus poses the rhetorical question, "What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" This teaching underscores the futility of victories that come at the expense of one's spiritual well-being, paralleling the costly triumphs of Pyrrhus.
Additionally, the historical backdrop of Pyrrhus' time highlights the enduring theme of God's sovereignty over the nations. In
Daniel 2:21 , it is written, "He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them." This verse reminds believers that earthly powers and conflicts, such as those involving Pyrrhus, are ultimately under divine control.
ConclusionWhile Pyrrhus is not a biblical figure, his historical context enriches the understanding of the world in which biblical events unfolded. His legacy, particularly the notion of a Pyrrhic victory, offers a poignant reminder of the biblical principle that true victory is found in faithfulness to God rather than in worldly conquests.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Pyrrhusthe father of Sopater of Berea. (Acts 20:4) in Revised Version. (A.D. 55.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PYRRHUSpir'-us (Purros, "fiery-red"): The name is inserted in the text of the Revised Version (British and American) inActs 20:4 as that of the father of SOPATER (which see).
Greek
4450b. Purros --Pyrrhus, the father of one of Paul's companions... 4450a, 4450b. Purros. 4451 .
Pyrrhus, the father of one of Paul's
companions. Transliteration: Purros Short Definition:
Pyrrhus.
...Library
Pythagoras Taught, Accordingly, that He had Himself Been...
... Pythagoras taught, accordingly, that he had himself been originally Euphorbus, and
then Callides, thirdly Hermotimus, fourthlyPyrrhus, and lastly Pythagoras...
Of the Disasters which Vexed the Roman Republic after the...
... [153]Pyrrhus, king of Greece, and at that time of widespread renown, was
invited by the Tarentines to enlist himself against Rome....
Canaan on Earth
... I have often admired the advice of old Cineas toPyrrhus. Old story saith,
that whenPyrrhus, king of Epirus, was making preparation...
Extracts from the Acts. Session I.
... faith, have been introduced by those who were at several times bishops of this,
your royal and God-preserved city, to wit: Sergius, Paul,Pyrrhus, and Peter...
Pythagoras; his Cosmogony; Rules of his Sect; Discoverer of...
... before the Trojan era he was ??thalides, [55] and during the Trojan epoch Euphorbus,
and subsequent to this Hermotimus of Samos, and after himPyrrhus of Delos...
Conclusion, the Romans Owe not their Imperial Power to their Gods...
... not Minerva defend Athens from Xerxes? Or why did not Apollo rescue Delphi
out of the hand ofPyrrhus? They who lost their own cities...
Argument: the Weapon that C??cilius had Slightly Brandished...
... Ennius invented the replies of the Pythian Apollo concerningPyrrhus, although Apollo
had already ceased to make verses; and that cautious and ambiguous oracle...
Further Exposure of Transmigration, Its Inextricable Embarrassment...
... Then, again, thePyrrhus (whom he represented) spent his time in catching fish;
but Pythagoras, on the contrary, would never touch fish, abstaining from even...
The Pythagorean Doctrine of Transmigration Sketched and Censured.
... How will he convince me that, before he was Pythagoras, he had been ??thalides, and
Euphorbus, and the fishermanPyrrhus, and Hermotimus, to make us believe...
Of the Nobility of Man's Soul that He is Insatiable
... multiply more? Do they not likePyrrhus, the King of Epire, add house
to house and lands to lands; that they may get it all? It...
Thesaurus
Pyrrhus (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PYRRHUS. pir'-us (Purros, "fiery
... which see).
Multi-Version Concordance
Pyrrhus (1 Occurrence). Acts 20
...Python (6 Occurrences)
Graecia
... At any rate, Graeci and Graecia owed their introduction practically to the Romans
after their contact with the Greeks in the war withPyrrhus, and in...
Rhegium (1 Occurrence)
... On the occasion of the invasion of Italy byPyrrhus, the people of Rhegium had recourse
to an alliance with Rome (280 BC) and received 4,000 Campanian troops...
Pyre (1 Occurrence)
Berean (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 20:4 And there accompanied him as far as Asia, Sopater son ofPyrrhus, a Berean;
and of Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus, and Gaius and Timotheus...
Beroean (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 20:4 He was accompanied as far as the province of Asia by Sopater the Beroean,
the son ofPyrrhus; by the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; by...
Asians (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 20:4 He was accompanied as far as the province of Asia by Sopater the Beroean,
the son ofPyrrhus; by the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; by...
Sopater (1 Occurrence)
... SOPATER. so'-pa-ter, sop'-a-ter (Sopatros): the Revised Version (British and
American) the son ofPyrrhus; the King James Version omits....
Province (66 Occurrences)
... Acts 20:4 He was accompanied as far as the province of Asia by Sopater the Beroean,
the son ofPyrrhus; by the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; by...
Resources
Who were the Bereans in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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