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Posidonius of Apamea (c. 135–51 BC) was a Greek Stoic philosopher, astronomer, geographer, and historian. Although not directly mentioned in the Bible, his influence on the Hellenistic world and subsequent Roman thought provides a backdrop to the cultural and intellectual environment of the New Testament period. His works, though largely lost, were known to have impacted various fields of study and were referenced by later scholars such as Cicero, Strabo, and Seneca.

Philosophical Influence

Posidonius was a prominent figure in the Stoic school of philosophy, which emphasized rationality, self-control, and virtue as the path to a good life. Stoicism, with its focus on the logos (reason or word), bears some conceptual similarities to the biblical understanding of the "Word" (Greek: Logos) as seen inJohn 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" . While the Stoic logos is an impersonal force, the biblical Logos is personified in Jesus Christ, highlighting a significant divergence in understanding.

Geographical and Astronomical Contributions

Posidonius made significant contributions to geography and astronomy, attempting to measure the Earth's circumference and studying the influence of celestial bodies on earthly events. His work in these areas reflects the broader Greco-Roman interest in the natural world, which is evident in the biblical narrative. For instance, the Magi's journey to Bethlehem, guided by a star (Matthew 2:1-2), illustrates the period's fascination with celestial phenomena.

Historical Context

Living during a time of great political and cultural change, Posidonius witnessed the transition from Hellenistic to Roman dominance. His historical writings, though not extant, reportedly covered events and figures that shaped the Mediterranean world. This context is crucial for understanding the New Testament, as the Roman Empire's political and social structures form the backdrop for the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and the early church.

Ethical Teachings

Posidonius' ethical teachings, rooted in Stoicism, emphasized living in harmony with nature and the universe's rational order. This perspective can be contrasted with biblical teachings on morality and ethics, which are grounded in the character and commandments of God. For example, the Apostle Paul, writing to the Romans, emphasizes the transformation of the mind to discern God's will: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).

Legacy and Influence

Though Posidonius' works are largely lost, his influence persisted through his students and later philosophers. His integration of Stoic philosophy with empirical observation laid groundwork for future scientific inquiry. The intellectual milieu he helped shape is part of the broader tapestry of thought that the early Christians engaged with as they articulated the gospel message in a diverse and often skeptical world.POSIDONIUS

pos-i-do'-ni-us (Posidonios, al. Posidonios and Poseidon): One of the three envoys sent by the Syrian general Nicanor to treat with the Jews under Judas during his invasion of Judea, 161 B.C. (2 Maccabees 14:19). In 1 Maccabees 7:27;, proposals are sent by Nicanor to Judas, but no envoys are named, and it is there asserted in contradiction to 2 Maccabees that Judas broke off the negotiation because of the treacherous designs of Nicanor.

On the Difference in the Health of Twins.
... [190]Posidonius the Stoic, who was much given to astrology, used to explain the
fact by supposing that they had been born and conceived under the same...

Of God and his Affections, and the Censure of Epicurus.
... In short, Marcus Tullius relates that it was said byPosidonius, [1642] that Epicurus
understood that there were no gods, but that he said those things which...

The Antiquity of Moses Proved by Greek Writers.
... For in this way he is mentioned both by Polemon in the first book of his Hellenics,
and by Apion son ofPosidonius in his book against the Jews, and in the...

The Soul Variously Divided by the Philosophers; this Division is...
...Posidonius makes even two more than these: he starts with two leading faculties
of the soul,"the directing faculty, which they designate hegemonikon; and the...

Opinions of Various Philosophers on the Chief Good.
... And finally,Posidonius said that it was to live engaged in contemplating the truth
and order of the universe, and forming himself as he best can, in nothing...

In the Edition of Garnerius.
... Is "the minute of the most holy bishop Cyril, delivered toPosidonius, when sent
by him to Rome, in the matter of Nestorius." (Cyrill. Ep. 11. tom. lxxvii.85.)....

That Bishops be not Detained Too Long in Council, Let them Choose...
... Verensis), Candidus of Abbirita, Gallonian of Utica, legates of the proconsular
province; Alypius of Tagaste, Augustine of Hippo Regia andPosidonius of Calama...

In what Manner the Mathematicians are Convicted of Professing a...
... From this opinion also came that answer ofPosidonius, the great astrologer and
also philosopher, concerning those twins who were attacked with sickness at the...

Of God, his Care and Anger.
... "Anger is," he says, "the desire of avenging an injury." Others, asPosidonius says,
describe it as the desire of punishing him by whom you think that you have...

Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity
... 58, 87 Philo, 6, 57 Philosophy, Greek, 3, 5, 6, 9, 99 Platonism, 88, 123 Pliny,
107 Plotinus, 88 Plutarch, 4, 5 Pontius Pilate, 101Posidonius, 9 Priests, 32...

Posidonius
... Int. Standard Bible EncyclopediaPOSIDONIUS. pos-i-do'-ni-us (Posidonios,
al. Posidonios and Poseidon): One of the three envoys sent...

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Position (189 Occurrences)

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