Topical Encyclopedia
Phoenice, also known as Phoenicia, was an ancient region located along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, primarily in what is now modern-day Lebanon, with parts extending into Syria and northern Israel. This area was known for its significant role in ancient trade and commerce, as well as its contributions to the spread of the alphabet and maritime navigation.
Geographical ContextPhoenice was strategically positioned along the Mediterranean, bordered by the mountains of Lebanon to the east and the sea to the west. This location facilitated its development as a hub of trade and cultural exchange. The major cities of Phoenice included Tyre, Sidon, and Byblos, each of which played a crucial role in the region's economic and political life.
Historical SignificanceThe Phoenicians were renowned for their skills in shipbuilding and navigation, which enabled them to establish trade networks across the Mediterranean. They traded goods such as purple dye, glass, and timber, which were highly valued in the ancient world. The Phoenician alphabet, a precursor to Greek and Latin scripts, was one of their most enduring contributions, significantly influencing written communication in the ancient world.
Biblical ReferencesPhoenice is mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys. In
Acts 11:19, the Berean Standard Bible notes, "Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews." This passage highlights the spread of early Christianity to Phoenice as believers fled persecution in Jerusalem.
Additionally,
Acts 15:3 records, "Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers." This indicates that Phoenice was part of the early Christian mission field, where the message of the Gospel was shared and received with joy.
Cultural and Religious InfluenceThe Phoenicians were polytheistic, worshiping a pantheon of gods and goddesses, with Baal and Astarte being among the most prominent. Their religious practices and deities occasionally influenced neighboring cultures, including the Israelites, as seen in various Old Testament accounts where the worship of Baal is mentioned as a recurring issue for the Israelites.
Despite their pagan practices, the interaction between the Phoenicians and the Israelites was not solely adversarial. The Bible records instances of cooperation, such as the alliance between King Hiram of Tyre and King Solomon, which facilitated the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem (
1 Kings 5:1-12).
LegacyThe legacy of Phoenice is evident in its contributions to language, trade, and cultural exchange in the ancient world. Its influence extended far beyond its geographical boundaries, leaving a lasting impact on subsequent civilizations. The spread of the Phoenician alphabet and their maritime prowess are testaments to their enduring legacy in human history.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PHOENICEfe-ni'-se (Phoinix).
SeePHOENIX.
Greek
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
A Description of the Sea-Coast, Out of Pliny and Strabo.
... Then beginsPhoenice." And chapter 19: "We must go back to the coast, andPhoenice....
And then beginsPhoenice." The sum is two hundred and fifty-four miles....
Galilee
... There is also the coast of Tiberias, and the valley." "Phoenice and Syria compass
both Galilees, both the upper and the nether, so called....
The Phoenix
... Full of years, she directs her swift flight into Syria, to which Venus herself has
given the name ofPhoenice; [2031] and through trackless deserts she seeks...
Laymen Called to the Field of Missions.
... They propagated the Gospel throughout Judea and Samaria; and some of them travelled
as far asPhoenice and Cyprus, and laid the foundation of the church at...
From the Nineteenth Chapter.
... Because from the sea of the north, which is the Arabian Sea, even to the sea of
Phoenice, and even to the ends of the earth, they will command these greater...
Acts xiii. 4, 5
... been sown already. In Antioch there were (teachers) enough, andPhoenice
too was near to Palestine; but Cyprus not so. However, you...
The West Coast of Galilee-Carmel.
... Hence Josephus, "Phoenice and Syria do compass the two Galilees, the upper and the
nether so called: and Ptolemais and Carmel set bounds to the country on the...
The Forged Acts.
... the time of Hadrian (according to Spruner-Menke), or of Severus (according to Mommsen),
was the capital of the newly formed province of Syria-Phoenice, or Syro...
General Notes by the American Editor
... The Mediterranean, near Mount Carmel, is "the sea ofPhoenice," I:suppose: but how
the Arabian Gulf can be called the sea of the north, I do not comprehend....
The Personal History of Herod - the Two Worlds in Jerusalem.
... supervened. Herod had to cede to Cleopatra the districts ofPhoenice and Philistia,
and that of Jericho with its rich balsam plantations....
Thesaurus
Phoenice (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PHOENICE. fe-ni'-se (Phoinix). See PHOENIX.
Multi-Version Concordance
Phoenice (1 Occurrence).
...Phoebe (1 Occurrence)
Counselled (26 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:12 And the harbour being ill adapted to winter in, the most counselled to
set sail thence, if perhaps they might reachPhoenice to winter in, a port of...
Adapted (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:12 And the harbour being ill adapted to winter in, the most counselled to
set sail thence, if perhaps they might reachPhoenice to winter in, a port of...
Perhaps (89 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:12 And the harbour being ill adapted to winter in, the most counselled to
set sail thence, if perhaps they might reachPhoenice to winter in, a port of...
Counsel (192 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:12 And the harbour being ill adapted to winter in, the most counselled to
set sail thence, if perhaps they might reachPhoenice to winter in, a port of...
Sail (32 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:12 And the harbour being ill adapted to winter in, the most counselled to
set sail thence, if perhaps they might reachPhoenice to winter in, a port of...
Ill (137 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:12 And the harbour being ill adapted to winter in, the most counselled to
set sail thence, if perhaps they might reachPhoenice to winter in, a port of...
Phoenicia (6 Occurrences)
Resources
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