Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Adriatic" refers to the Adriatic Sea, a body of water that is part of the Mediterranean Sea, situated between the Italian Peninsula and the Balkan Peninsula. In biblical times, the term "Adriatic" was used more broadly than it is today, encompassing not only the modern Adriatic Sea but also parts of the Ionian Sea. This broader understanding is evident in the New Testament, where the term is used in the context of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome.
Biblical Reference:The most notable mention of the Adriatic Sea in the Bible is found in the Book of Acts, during the account of Paul's voyage to Rome. In
Acts 27:27 , it is recorded: "On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea. About midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land." This passage describes the perilous conditions faced by Paul and his companions as they were caught in a violent storm, eventually leading to their shipwreck on the island of Malta.
Historical and Geographical Context:In the first century, the term "Adriatic" was used by Greek and Roman geographers to describe a larger area than the modern definition. It included the waters between Crete and Sicily, which aligns with the narrative of Paul's journey. The Apostle's ship, having set sail from Fair Havens in Crete, was caught in a northeasterly storm, known as a "Northeaster" or "Euroclydon," which drove the vessel across the open sea.
The Adriatic Sea, as understood in the biblical context, was a significant maritime route for trade and travel in the ancient world. It connected various regions of the Roman Empire, facilitating the spread of goods, culture, and ideas. The sea's unpredictable weather and treacherous conditions, as experienced by Paul, were well-known to ancient mariners.
Theological Significance:The account of Paul's journey across the Adriatic Sea highlights themes of divine providence and protection. Despite the severe storm and the eventual shipwreck, all aboard were spared, fulfilling the promise given to Paul by an angel of God.
Acts 27:23-24 states: "For just last night an angel of God, whose I am and whom I serve, stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.'"
This narrative serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness, demonstrating that His purposes will prevail despite human adversity. The safe passage of Paul and his companions underscores the belief in God's active involvement in the lives of His servants, guiding and protecting them according to His divine plan.
Cultural and Symbolic Interpretations:In Christian tradition, the stormy voyage across the Adriatic Sea has often been interpreted as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations faced by believers. Just as Paul was assured of God's presence and deliverance, Christians are encouraged to trust in God's guidance through the storms of life. The account serves as a reminder of the steadfastness of faith and the assurance of God's promises, even in the midst of uncertainty and danger.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) of or pertaining to a sea so named, the northwestern part of which is known as the Gulf of Venice.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SEA, ADRIATICa-dri-at'-ic, ad-ri-at'-ik.
SeeADRIA.
Greek
99. Adrias -- theAdriatic, the name of a sea... the
Adriatic, the name of a sea. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration:
Adrias Phonetic Spelling: (ad-ree'-as) Short Definition: the
Adriatic Sea
...1149. Dalmatia -- Dalmatia, southern Illyricum on theAdriatic Sea
... Dalmatia, southern Illyricum on theAdriatic Sea. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: Dalmatia Phonetic Spelling: (dal-mat-ee'-ah) Short Definition...
2437. Illurikon -- Illyricum, a region adjacent to theAdriatic...
... Illyricum, a region adjacent to theAdriatic Sea. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: Illurikon Phonetic Spelling: (il-loo-ree-kon') Short Definition...
Library
As to Your Charge of Perjury, Since You Refer Me to Your Book; and...
... It had made its run with sails full set over the Ionian and ??gean, theAdriatic
and Tyrrhenian seas, only to make shipwreck in the Roman port....
Letter Lxviii. To Castrutius.
... However, on reaching Cissa (whether that in Thrace or that on theAdriatic
is uncertain) he was induced by his friends to turn back....
Innocent iii
... But the Venetians suddenly found themselves with the practical direction of a
formidable army; they had enemies in theAdriatic against whom they had hitherto...
The Law of Change, or Mutation, Universal.
... was equal in size to Libya or Asia is sought in vain; [22] when formerly a side
of Italy, severed to the centre by the shivering shock of theAdriatic and the...
Ignatius is Brought to Rome.
... through Macedonia, and on to that part of Epirus which is near Epidamnus; and finding
a ship in one of the seaports, he sailed over theAdriatic Sea, and...
Picture of a Pauline Church
... In the warm genial climate old and young are out of doors enjoying the evening hour,
while the sun, going down over theAdriatic, is casting its golden light...
The Dark was Lifting as Vergilius Entered the Field of Mars. ...
... A trireme was waiting for them on theAdriatic Sea, and Vergilius, Manius, and their
escort sailed to northwestern Macedonia, mounted horses again, galloping...
The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians
... It was on the Egnatian road, the great high-road which connected the Aegean and
theAdriatic seas, and therefore connected Asia with Europe....
Acts XVIII
... ??gean Sea on the east, it had direct communication with all the great Asiatic cities,
and with Rome and the west through the Gulf of Corinth and theAdriatic....
But when I was in the Twenty-Sixth Year of My Age...
... [4] Accordingly I came to Rome, though it were through a great number of hazards
by sea; for as our ship was drowned in theAdriatic Sea, we that were in it...
Thesaurus
Adriatic (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SEA,
ADRIATIC. a-dri-at'-ic, ad-ri-at'-ik.
See ADRIA. Multi-Version Concordance
Adriatic (1 Occurrence).
...Illyricum (1 Occurrence)
... A country to the north-west of Macedonia, on the eastern shores of theAdriatic,
now almost wholly comprehended in Dalmatia, a name formerly given to the...
Adria (1 Occurrence)
... (Acts 27:27; RV, "the sea of Adria"), theAdriatic Sea, including in Paul's time
the whole of the Mediterranean lying between Crete and Sicily....
Dalmatia (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A mountainous country on the eastern shore of
theAdriatic, a part of the Roman province of Illyricum....
A'dria (1 Occurrence)
A'dria. Adria, A'dria.Adriatic . Multi-Version Concordance A'dria (1 Occurrence)....
(See RSV). Adria, A'dria.Adriatic . Reference Bible.
Macedonia (23 Occurrences)
... king, who reigned first among the Greeks," ie the first who united in a single empire
all the Greek states, except those which lay to the West of theAdriatic....
Adriel (2 Occurrences)
Quit (12 Occurrences)
... SEA OF TIBERIAS. ti-be'-ri-as. See GALILEE, SEA OF. SEA,ADRIATIC. a-dri-at'-ic,
ad-ri-at'-ik. See ADRIA. SEA, BRAZEN. bra'-z'n. See SEA, THE MOLTEN....
Nearing (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:27 But when the fourteenth day came, while we were going here and there
in theAdriatic sea, about the middle of the night the sailors had an idea that...
Italy (4 Occurrences)
... as the time of Polybius the name Italy was sometimes employed as an appellation
for all the country between the two seas (Tyrrhenian andAdriatic) and from the...
Resources
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