Glossary

Samaritans
not purebred jews
Jews with mixed blood (one parent was Jewish, the other was not).

Proselytes
converts to Judaism
Gentiles who accepted Judaism, became Jewish through circumcision, acceptance and enforcement of Jewish laws, culture, and lifestyle.

Elinist
civilized Jews
Jews who lived in Israel and adopted the Greek culture, lifestyle.

Amphiopol
(gr. Ἀμφίπολις)
An ancient Greek polis located in the modern Greek region of Central Macedonia on the banks of the river Strimon, 4 kilometers from the Aegean coast.

Antioch
(gr. Ἀντιόχεια)
The modern city of Antakya, located 483 km north of Jerusalem, on the border of Turkey and Syria. This is the most famous of the sixteen cities that bore the name Antioch. All of these cities were founded by one of Alexander the Great's generals and were named by him after his father. Antioch, located on the river Orontes, had its own seaport; under the Romans it was the administrative center of the province of Syria and the third largest city in the empire. Antioch was also known as a prominent cultural center. There was a large Jewish community in the city. After the death of the first martyr Stephen, persecuted Christians fled from Jerusalem to Antioch. From this point the history of one of the largest and most active early Christian churches begins. Many locals were converted to Christianity. It was in Antioch that believers in Jesus Christ first began to be called Christians. Barnabas, who had been sent to Antioch by the Church in Jerusalem, sought Paul out and asked him to help in instructing the new converts. The two of them taught together for over a year in Antioch. A short time later the Antioch church sent Paul and Barnabas to preach the gospel in Cyprus and other lands. Paul invariably returned to Antioch on his missionary journeys. In 526 A.D. the ancient city was destroyed by an earthquake. Acts 11:19-30; 13:1; 15:35

Antioch of Pisidia
(gr. Αντιόχεια τὴς Πισιδίας)
A city in the center of Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Paul and Barnabas visited it on their first missionary journey. The apostles first preached in the synagogue at Antioch, but when the non-Jews responded to Paul's call, the Jews caused a riot in the city and drove the apostles out of the city. Two or three years later Paul visited Antioch again to strengthen the Christians in their faith. Acts 13:14-52

Apollonia
(gr. Ἀπολλωνία)
An ancient polis on the island of Crete, 25 km southeast of Rethymno.

Ass
(gr. Άσσος)
A seaside city in Troas, against the island of Lesbos; now called Beiram. From here Paul went to Mytilene (Acts 20:13).

Attalia
(gr. Antalya)
The Asia Minor city of Pamphylia, near Perga, near the Mediterranean Sea, by the Cataract River. From here the apostles Paul and Barnabas, after their first journey to preach the gospel, sailed back to Antioch. It is now the fortified place of Antalya or Satalia, with 8,000 inhabitants. Acts 14:25

Athens
(gr. Αθήνα)
The main city of the province of Attica for centuries. Athens' calling card is the famous Acropolis, a steep hill with a flat top that rises about 200 feet (61 m) above the surrounding plain and on which are several architectural monuments. The walls, which date to 1100 BC, show a high level of craftsmanship for the period. Athens came to prominence in the 6th century BC, first under Solon (died 559 BC) who instituted democratic rule, then under Pericles (died 429 BC) when the magnificent buildings of the Acropolis were erected. During its golden age Athens was the center of philosophy, art, architecture, and theater. By the time Paul brought the good news to Athens (Acts 17:15-34) the city had lost much of its former glory and prestige. The Roman emperors continued to patronize the city by constructing new buildings and rebuilding the marketplace (agora). The University of Athens was still the most distinguished in the Greek world. The city was home to famous representatives of Epicurean and Stoic philosophy. The apostle Paul brought the Christian good news to Athens on his second missionary journey, about 50 A.D. He mentions Athens only in 1 Thessalonians 3:1, where he says that he and Timothy came to the city together, but he soon sent Timothy back to Thessalonica and remained in Athens alone. Luke gives a more detailed account of Paul's ministry in that city (Acts 17:16-34). The sight of this city, replete with statues of various gods like no other, enraged him. Having been brought up in the strict monotheistic faith of Judaism, Paul evidently considered Athens to be a center of sin, and even its cultural splendor could not overcome this impression. Athens, like almost all the cities of the day, had a Jewish congregation, and Paul, as he usually did, spoke first before his brethren. Then he went to the marketplace, telling about Jesus to all who would listen, including a few philosophers who regarded him disparagingly as a preacher of 'something strange.' Paul's preaching about Jesus and the resurrection sounded to them like the proclamation of a new deity, so he was called to appear before the Areopagus, the civil body that governed the moral and religious life of Athens. Every new deity had to be approved by this council. The name areopagus comes from the name of the small hill near the Acropolis where the council usually met. In Paul's day the meetings were usually held in the portico on one side of the marketplace. Luke transcribes Paul's speech to the Areopagus, in which the apostle mentions many gods and even 'the unknown God. Paul states that he is bringing the Athenians knowledge about a God who is unknown to them. He concludes his address with a call to repentance. His mention of the resurrection provoked dissent, but some wanted to know more. Luke states that only a few people followed Paul, including Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, and a woman named Damaris. Athens seems to have been one of the few places where Paul failed to establish a church, which is why this city does not play an important role in early Christian history.

Beria
(gr. Βέροια)
A city in Greece, in Central Macedonia. It is the capital of the nomom of Imathia. Located at the foot of Mount Vermion. The distance to Athens is 509 km, to Thessaloniki is 69 km.

Bithynia
(gr. Βιθυνία)
It is a historical region, an ancient state and a Roman province that existed in the northwestern part of Anatolia (Asia Minor) between the Bosphorus Strait and the Sangarius River. The largest cities of Bithynia were considered Nicomedia and Nicea.

Galatia
(gr. Γαλατία)
The region of Asia Minor (today's Turkey) in which the Gauls (a people of the Celtic tribe) settled in 278 B.C. From 25 B.C. it was part of the Roman Empire.

Derbe
(gr. Δέρβη)
A city in southeastern Lycaonia which Paul visited with Barnabas on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:6,20); on his second journey Paul visited this city again (Acts 16:1). Derbe was the hometown of Gaius, Paul's companion on his last journey to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4).

Ephesus
(gr. Ἔφεσος — permitted)
The main city of the province of Asia (present-day Turkey), and a commercial center. Its population was ~300,000, its streets were paved with marble, and the temple of Diana (Artemis - goddess of the moon, daughter of Zeus, sister of Apollo) was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. There was a large Jewish colony in the city. Destroyed in 262.

Paul spent 3 years in Ephesus during his 3rd m-trip, teaching every day. His Bible school graduates planted churches throughout the province of Asia. Paul's favorite disciple, Timothy, was made pastor of the church in Ephesus. The Epistles to Timothy are epistles to the pastor of the church at Ephesus.

Jerusalem
(heb. ירושלים — Place of Peace)
In 70 it was destroyed by the emperor Titus, in 135 it was rebuilt by Rome and called Aelia Capitolia, in 638 it was conquered by Muslims and called El-Kuds - the Holy City.

Iconium
(gr. Ικόνιον)
A city in the southwestern center of Asia Minor, about 95 miles (153 km) from the Mediterranean coast. Today it is the Turkish city of Konya, capital of the province of the same name. Iconium was an agricultural center, famous for its wheat fields and apricot and plum orchards. Its ideal location and climate contributed to its prominence as a crossroads of trade routes between Syria, Ephesus and Rome. Little is known about the origins of the city. It must have been founded by a group of immigrants from northern Greece, the Phrygians. The ancient Greek historian Xenophonte (c. 428-354 BC) mentions Iconium as a Phrygian city visited by Cyrus. Since Iconium was spoken in Phrygian, it is likely that its inhabitants considered themselves Phrygian in origin. Although the name Iconium is Phrygian, a myth later emerged that it had Greek roots. According to this legend, mankind perished from the great flood. Life on earth was revived when Prometheus and Athena revived human images made of clay. The Greek word eikon translates as 'image', hence the name Iconium, according to legend. In the 3rd century BC, Iconium was ruled by the Syrian kings of the Seleucid dynasty. The Seleucids, who promoted Greek culture, turned Iconium into a Hellenistic city. The population spoke Greek and was governed by two city councils, which were elected annually. Although Iconium fell under the dominion of the Gallic and Pontic kings (about 165-63 B.C.), it retained its Hellenistic character until the New Testament. In 36 B.C. Mark Antony gave the city to Antima. After his death in 25 B.C. Iconium joined the neighboring cities of Lystra, Dervia, and Antioch of Pisidia and became part of the province of Galatia and part of the Roman Empire. The apostle Paul visited Iconium on his first missionary journey. He was forced to leave Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:51) and came to the synagogue in Iconium. His preaching appealed to Jews and Greeks, but the unbelieving Jews soon revolted against him (Acts 14:1-7). Paul fled to Lystra, but was pursued by the Jews of Iconium, who stoned and threw him down, mistaking him for dead (Acts 14:19; 2 Timothy 3:11). Friends took care of Paul, and he was able to join Barnabas in Derbe, where many became their disciples. Later they returned to Iconium to strengthen the church there (Acts 14:20-23). On their second missionary journey, the Christians of Iconium recommended Timothy to Paul and Silas (Acts 16:1-2).

Kenhrei
(gr. Κεγχρεαί)
A seaport near the great city of Corinth, about eight miles (12.9 km) west of the latter. Cenchrea was already known in the fifth century BC in connection with the Athenian attack on Corinth. Until the Corinth Canal was dug, transportation between Europe and Asia often went through Cenchrea, from Corinth to Lehighion. The excavations, which began in 1963, led to the discovery of a harbor mole, a warehouse belonging to the beginning of the first century, and a large stone building of the second century. The 4th century church testifies to the influence of Christianity in the city. Among the ruins of the city's market square are the remains of the ancient road from the Gates of Cenchreae to Corinth. Cenchrea is mentioned twice in the NT. The apostle Paul, leaving Cenchreaea, shaved his head by vow (Acts 18:18). In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul introduces the Romans to Phoebe, the deaconess of Cenchreae, famous for her ministry (Rom 16:1).

Caesarea
(gr. Caesarea)
A city named after Augustus Caesar and built by Herod the Great between 22 and 10 B.C. This 8,000-acre (3,240 ha) city lies 25 miles (40 km) south of modern Haifa in the beautiful Sharon Valley on the Mediterranean coast of Israel. The so-called 'Seaside Caesarea' became a major administrative center of the country during the Roman conquest. Three Roman governors lived there: Felix (Acts 24), Portius Festus (Acts 25:1,4-6,13), and Pontius Pilate, who came to Jerusalem on special occasions (as in Jn 19). Archaeologists have found Pilate's name carved on one of the stones in the theater at Caesarea. Caesarea was the largest seaport of Judea in New Testament times. Since there were no good harbors on the southern coast of Palestine, Herod built two giant dams that provided shelter for ships from the Mediterranean waves. A Roman officer named Cornelius was converted in Caesarea (Acts 10:1,24). The apostle Paul later visited Philip, a prominent Christian figure there (Acts 21:8). Paul spent more than two years in prison in Caesarea (Acts 24:27-25:1) and boarded a ship there when he departed for Rome (Acts 27). In 70 A.D. Titus, the Roman general, returned to Caesarea after capturing Jerusalem, as did Flavius Sylvanus in 73 A.D. after taking the fortresses of Masada and Herodium (both in East Judea). The excavations that have been going on at Caesarea since 1971 have revealed much about the city. Herod built an aqueduct which brought fresh water to Caesarea from Mount Carmel. A smaller aqueduct connected to a spring to the north of the city was used for irrigation. Under the city

Colossus
(gr. Colossae)
A city in the southwestern center of Asia Minor, about 95 miles (153 km) from the Mediterranean coast. Today it is the Turkish city of Konya, capital of the province of the same name. Iconium was an agricultural center, famous for its wheat fields and apricot and plum orchards. Its ideal location and climate contributed to its prominence as a crossroads of trade routes between Syria, Ephesus and Rome. Little is known about the origins of the city. It must have been founded by a group of immigrants from northern Greece, the Phrygians. The ancient Greek historian Xenophonte (c. 428-354 BC) mentions Iconium as a Phrygian city visited by Cyrus. Since Iconium was spoken in Phrygian, it is likely that its inhabitants considered themselves Phrygian in origin. Although the name Iconium is Phrygian, a myth later emerged that it had Greek roots. According to this legend, mankind perished from the great flood. Life on earth was revived when Prometheus and Athena revived human images made of clay. The Greek word eikon translates as 'image,' hence the name Iconium, according to legend. In the 3rd century BC, Iconium was ruled by the Syrian kings of the Seleucid dynasty. The Seleucids, who promoted Greek culture, turned Iconium into a Hellenistic city. The population spoke Greek and was governed by two city councils, which were elected annually. Although Iconium fell under the dominion of the Gallic and Pontic kings (about 165-63 B.C.), it retained its Hellenistic character until the New Testament. In 36 B.C. Mark Antony gave the city to Antima. After his death in 25 B.C. Iconium joined the neighboring cities of Lystra, Dervia, and Antioch of Pisidia and became part of the province of Galatia and part of the Roman Empire. The apostle Paul visited Iconium on his first missionary journey. He was forced to leave Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:51) and came to the synagogue in Iconium. His preaching appealed to Jews and Greeks, but the unbelieving Jews soon revolted against him (Acts 14:1-7). Paul fled to Lystra, but was pursued by the Jews of Iconium, who stoned and threw him down, mistaking him for dead (Acts 14:19; 2 Timothy 3:11). Friends took care of Paul, and he was able to join Barnabas in Derbe, where many became their disciples. Later they returned to Iconium to strengthen the church there (Acts 14:20-23). On their second missionary journey, the Christians of Iconium recommended Timothy to Paul and Silas (Acts 16:1-2).

Corinth
(gr. Ϙόρινθος)
The main city of Achaea (Greece) was destroyed by Julius Caesar in 146 BC, rebuilt in 44 BC. It is situated on the Isthmus of Cenchreae (~8 km long), through which the ships were dragged, which shortened the way for over 300 km, and allowed to bypass the dangerous storm cape. There was a saying: 'If you're going to travel across the cape, write your will'. Because of this, the city was on the trade route and was the Mecca of east-west trade. Every night 1,000 priestesses of the temple of Aphrodite, sacred prostitutes, descended on the city. It was the only city in the Roman Empire where temple prostitution took place. The expression 'living the Corinthian way' meant a complete debaucher. Paul spent 1.5 years there, most of his 2nd m-journey.

Lystra
(gr. Λύστρα — Iscakuyashi)
A city in the district of Lycaonia, in the Roman province of Galatia. The NT accounts of events in this city only in the Book of Acts (there is also a reference in 2 Timothy 3:11). On their first missionary journey Paul and Barnabas encountered opposition in Iconium and fled to Lystra, Derbe and the surrounding area (Acts 14:6). While in Lystra, Paul healed a cripple (Acts 14:8). This miracle impressed the local population (Acts 14:9-21), and the crowd began to shout that Barnabas must be Zeus and Paul must be Hermes (because Paul was mostly speaking). Later, some translations used the corresponding Latin names Jupiter and Mercury. Paul and Barnabas' ministry at Lystra. Paul and Barnabas, when they were driven out of Antioch of Pisidia, came down from the mountains and went east to Lycaonia. They first went to Iconium, a trading center on the road from Asia to Syria. They preached there, after which they were forced to flee to Lystra, 25 miles (40.2 km) to the south. At Lystra Paul was stoned, but he and Barnabas traveled 50 miles (80.5 km) to Derbe, a city on the border. Then they valiantly made their way back. Lystra was mostly inhabited by the descendants of a small Anatolian tribe, who spoke their own dialect, as many inscriptions found in that area testify today. This dialect was spoken until the 6th century A.D. The Anatolian farming system evidently prevailed in this market town also under Roman rule. The Greek gods Zeus and Hermes were worshipped here, and the archaeological evidence supports the information Luke reports in the Book of Acts. One inscription speaks of a dedication to Zeus on a statue of Hermes. Another is a dedication to 'Zeus before the city,' which makes sense of the reference to 'the idol of Zeus in front of their city' in Acts 14:13. Geographically both Derbe and Lystra belonged to the same political area, while Iconium belonged to another. Lystra was closer to Iconium than to Derbe territorially, commercially, and socially - even though they were separated by a political border. Apparently there was active communication between the two cities. In Acts 16:1-2, Lystra and Iconium are connected as places where Timothy was well known and respected.

Macedonia
(gr. Μακεδονία)
A region in northern Greece. The main city of Macedonia was Thessalonica. Of the cities mentioned in Bible, the Roman province of Macedonia also included Philippi and Berea in addition to Thessalonica. While in Troas, the apostle Paul had a vision in which a man from Macedonia asked him to come to the area and help the Macedonians. After crossing the Aegean Sea into Macedonia, Paul set foot on European soil for the first time. Three of Paul's letters (Philippians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians) are addressed to Macedonian Christians. Macedonian believers gave generously to the needy Christians of Judea. Some Macedonians became regular helpers of Paul. Acts 16:8-17:15, 20:1-6; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 9:1-5, etc.

Worlds
(gr. Μύρα)
A port city on the southern coast of Asia Minor, in the province of Lycia, present-day Demre in Turkey. According to Acts 27:5-6, Paul and his guards stopped briefly at Myra to transfer to another ship on their way to Rome, where Paul was to stand trial.

Naples
(gr. Νεάπολις)
A seaside city in Thrace. After Nero it was annexed to Macedonia. There Paul first landed in Europe and continued his journey to Philippi (Acts 16:11). This city is now called Kavala.

Pamphylia
(gr. Παμφυλία)
The coastal province at the southern shore of Asia Minor (Acts 27:5), subject to Roman control from 103 B.C., is a narrow strip of land between Cilicia on the east and Lycia on the west, cut through the spurs of the Taurus and irrigated by several mountain streams, and by the navigable river Eurymedonte. The Pamphilians were a mixed people, consisting of Cilicians, Phoenicians, and Greeks, and were mainly engaged in navigation. They were present, among others, at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:10). Paul and Barnabas later evangelized at Perga, the capital of Pamphylia (Acts 13:13, Acts 14:25).

Puff
(gr. Πάφος — boiling)
Originally a Phoenician village in southwestern Cyprus. To Old Paphos was added the Greek New Paphos, about 10 miles (16.1 km) from it. This new city became the administrative center of Cyprus when it became a Roman province in 22 B.C. The city was famous for its temple, originally dedicated to the Syrian goddess Astarte, whose worship (according to Tacitus) involved oiling a cone-shaped stone (a meteorite?). The Greeks identified Astarte with Aphrodite, claiming that she emerged from the sea. At Paphos, Paul encountered resistance from Elymas, who prevented him from spreading the Good News. Here Paul performed the first miracle reported in Bible. But he was merciful, and his blindness struck Elymas "for a time" (Acts 13:11).

Pergiya
(gr. Πέργη)
A city in Pamphylia by the river Kestros, 60 stadia from the mouth, with the famous temple of Diana. Here Paul and Barnabas went ashore on their first missionary journey, and here John Mark left them (Acts 13:13). On their return journey they preached the gospel here (Acts 14:25).

Puteol
(it. Pozzuoli — Поццуоли)
Now Pozzuoli, was a flourishing seaside market town with a good harbor, near the coast of Campania, between Naples and Cumae. It was founded by the people of Cumae, who called it Dicearchia: around 520 B.C., during the Punic wars, it fell into the hands of the Romans, who gave it the name of Puteoli (i.e. springs), as there were many mineral springs in the neighborhood. It subsequently became a Roman harbor, frequented by Syrian and Egyptian merchants, who passed through it on their way to the world famous city of Rome. When Paul was a prisoner on his way to Rome he stopped here and stayed seven days with his brothers in the faith (Acts 28:13ff.).

Rhegium
(gr. Ῥήγιον)
It is a port city on the south coast of Italy, now Refio di Calabria. Paul stopped in R on his way from Malta to Rome (Acts 28:13).

Rome
(it. Roma)
According to tradition the capital of the world power, situated on the bank of the Tiber river in Italy, was built by Romulus about 750 B.C. In its heyday it was spread over seven hills - the Capitol, the Palatine, the Aventine, the Caelian, the Quirinal, the Viminal and the Esquiline (Compare Rev. 17:9). Rome was first ruled by kings until about 500 B.C.; then royal rule was replaced by a republic headed by two consuls elected for one year. Then it became a republic with two consuls elected for one year. This rule lasted until the time of Julius Caesar, who took over in 46 BC. During those centuries the power of Rome expanded, first over all Italy (270 B.C.), and then over all the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including Gaul and Britannia to the north, Egypt to the south, and the countries bordering the Euphrates to the east. Rome thus possessed the whole world and became the center of the world at that time. It was inhabited by millions, a motley mixture of all kinds of tribes; the worship, superstition, and abominations of all the conquered nations found their place there, as described in Rom 1:21ff. The population of the Roman Empire at the time of Augustus is supposed to have been about 100 million people; the population of the city of Rome itself at that time was about 1 million and 20,000. 20,000 at the time. Palestine, too, was drawn into this ironclad world monarchy, especially after the alliance between Rome and the Maccabees in 140 BC. (1 Macc 14:1). Palestine was finally annexed to the empire after Pompey's capture of Jerusalem in 63 B.C., after which the banners of the invincible Roman armies were hoisted among the people of Israel. Some suggest that the Savior said, 'An abomination of desolation standing in the holy place. (Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14), pointed to banners with pagan symbols, goddesses of victory, war eagles, wreaths, etc., as a prelude to the future rule of Antichrist (2Thess 2:4ff). Already at that time many Jews, up to 20,000-30,000 are thought to have lived in Rome; they had their own quarter with seven synagogues and all spoke Greek, for at this time Greek was as much in use in Rome as Latin. Some of them were junkers, some were doctors and bankers; some even had access to the palace, but in general they were all the subject of ridicule by Roman writers. Among those who visited Jerusalem at Pentecost were Jews from Rome (Acts 2:10). In all likelihood the Roman church was formed from Jewish converts and proselytes. It was already in existence before Paul arrived there (Acts 28:14ff., Rom. 1:8). It is difficult to determine whether Claudius' decree to expel the Jews from Rome applied to Christians (Acts 18:2). In 64 A.D. the emperor Nero brought a terrible persecution against the Christians; this was followed by other persecutions until the time of Constantine the Great (312), who took the Christians under his protection and finally made Christianity the state religion. Subsequently, when Constantine the Great moved his residence to Byzantium (Constantinople), the power of Rome began to decline. Today's Rome, with its 2,800,000 (1974) inhabitants, is remarkable not only for its bibles, but also for its history.

Salamin
(gr. Σαλαμίνα)
A Greek port city on the east coast of the island of Cyprus, where Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel (Acts 13:5). It was destroyed by an earthquake during the time of Constantine the Great, but was rebuilt again and was called Constantia.

Samothrace
(gr. Σαμοθράκη)
An island in the Aegean Sea between Troas and Macedonia, famous in antiquity for its religious performances (mysteries). Paul visited this island on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:11).

Seleucia
(gr. Σελεύκεια )
A fortified city in Syria, at the mouth of the Orontes, not far from Antioch, for which it served as a harbor. It was founded by Seleucus Nicator 300 years before Christ; Paul and Barnabas boarded a ship here on their first missionary journey to Cyprus (Acts 13:14). It is now a significant ruin of Selukieh, near the wharf of Sueidieh.

Sidon
(gr. Σιδών)
A Phoenician (Canaanite) port city on the coast of present-day Lebanon. Many skilled artisans worked in Sidon. Among the goods the city traded were ivory carvings, gold and silver jewelry, fine glassware. Sidon, like other Phoenician cities, was self-governing. The Israelites, conquering Canaan, could not possess Sidon. During the time of the Judges, the Sidonians constantly troubled the Jews with their attacks. The cultures of the two peoples mixed, and many of the Israelites began to worship the Sidonian gods Baal and Astarte. Queen Jezebel, who introduced the cult of Baal to Israel, was the daughter of a Sidonian king. Because the Sidonians were enemies of Israel and its faith, the Old Testament prophets predicted their city's fall. Sidon was taken in turn by the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians. Later it fell to the Greeks and the Romans. At the time of Jesus, most of the inhabitants of Sidon were Greeks. Many of them came to Galilee to hear Him preach. Jesus Himself had been to Sidon and nearby Tyre. The apostle Paul stopped at Sidon on his way to Rome and stayed with friends. Judges 1:31; 10:12; 3 Samuel 16:31; Isaiah 23:1-12; Ezekiel 28:20-24; Luke 6:17; Mark 7:24-31; Matthew 11:20-22; Acts 27:3, etc.

Syracuse
(gr. Συρακοῦσαι)
The port city on the east coast of Sicily was founded in 734 B.C. as a Corinthian colony, and had its heyday in the fifth and fourth centuries B.C., being one of the largest, most beautiful, and mightiest cities in the western Mediterranean. In 212 B.C. S. was conquered by the Romans after a two-year siege, but even under Roman rule it remained a culturally and economically important city. Paul spent three days in S. during his journey to Rome (Acts 28:12).

Cilicia
(gr. Κιλικία)
It was a Roman province which occupied the southeastern coast of Turkey.

Tire
(gr. Τύρος)
The ancient Phoenician trading city on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, about 40 km. north of Akki and over 30 km. south of Sidon, is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament under the Hebrew name of Tzor, i.e. rock (in the Russian Bible it is usually rendered as 'Tyre' - the Greek Aramaic form of Tyre). Already in Hab 19:29 one speaks of the 'fortified city of Tzor' (Russian: Tyre), on the northern border of Asher. David's commissioners reached the fortifications of Tyre when they counted the people (2 Samuel 24:7). Hiram reigned in this city (2 Samuel 5:11, 3 Samuel 5:1), who was on good terms with the Israelite kings David and Solomon. Tyre was one of the significant Phoenician cities that was closest to Israel. According to the records of the ancients, the oldest part of Tyre, the old city 'Paletir' or 'Old Tyre,' was on the mainland, and the new part of the city or 'New Tyre' was on two islands which Hiram had connected by filling in the strait. Surrounded by water, with fine harbors on the south and north, this city on the islands became a natural fortress. Famous for its temple in honor of Melcartes (Hercules), it was still better known for its extensive trade and its colonies. Both Bible and the pagan writers of the ancient world give us vivid descriptions of its wealth and splendor. In Ezekiel 27 we find a culturally and historically remarkable enumeration, of the various nations that traded with Tyre; of the nations that were part of the mercenary army and of the goods that were available in its markets. It also mentions that Judah and Israel brought wheat, honey, oil, and balsam to his bazaars (Ezekiel 27:17). His wealth is compared in Ezekiel 28:13 to Eden, the garden of God; he was adorned with precious stones: rubies, topazes, diamonds, chrysolite, onyx, jaspis, sapphires, carbuncles, emeralds, gold, etc. But the seduction of wealth brought with it a curse. Already Amos and Joel threaten Tsor (Tyre) with punishment for forgetting his former friendship and selling the Israelites into slavery to the Edomites and Greeks (Am 1:9ff., Joel 3:4ff.). That Tyre was the center of the slave trade is evident from Ezekiel 27:13. The inhabitants of Tyre were soon punished by the Assyrians. Salmanassar, having occupied the coastal region around 721 B.C., besieged Tyre for five years, but without success. The 23rd chapter of Isaiah is probably a denunciation against Tyre at that time. (Compare 'Sargon'). Then Tyre was besieged by Nabuch.

Troas
(gr. Ἔφεσος — permitted)
The main city of the Roman province of Asia Minor, situated on the west coast of Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Ephesus was built in a natural harbor whose waves, according to the Roman writer Pliny the Elder, 'washed the temple of Diana. Strabo, the ancient Greek geographer, described Ephesus as the largest trading center west of the Taurus Mountains. It was also famous for its temple of Artemis, or, as the Romans called her, Diana (Acts 19:34). The threat that Christianity posed to this pagan temple and idol trade almost cost the apostle Paul his life (Acts 19:24,30-31). Priscilla and Aquila preached in Ephesus during the early period (Acts 18:18-19), as did Timothy (1 Tim 1:3) and Erastus (Acts 19:22). According to Irenaeus, an early Christian author, the apostle John returned to Ephesus after his exile on the island of Patmos (Rev 1:9) and lived there until the reign of the emperor Trajan (98-117 A.D.). By the time John wrote the Book of Revelation, the Christian community there had already largely departed from the principles of godly conduct described in the Epistle to the Ephesians (Rev. 2:4). Ephesus was founded by the Ionian Greeks at the mouth of the Caister River, which flows into the Aegean Sea. When Paul arrived there on his third missionary journey, the city was about 1,000 years old. 1,000 years old. The worship of Artemis at Ephesus was as old as the city itself. The temple, built in the middle of the sixth century B.C., was the largest building in the Hellenistic world and the first building of its size made entirely of marble. The two marble carvings of Artemis found in the excavations date back to the reigns of the emperors Domitian and Hadrian (during the lifetime of the apostle John). The temple of Diana, 'mother of the gods,' was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World in the ancient world. Despite the efforts of the British archaeologist J. T. Wood, which culminated in the discovery of the temple in 1869, its main altar has not yet been found. Excavations have shown that this altar was larger than the altar of Zeus at Pergamum. The original temple was destroyed in 356 BC but was rebuilt according to the original plans. The theater mentioned in Acts 19:29 was also found during the excavations. It was near the central marketplace (agora) and seated 24,000 people on three levels. The theater was 495 feet (151 m) in diameter, with two doors opening onto the main streets of Ephesus. The street leading to the port was about 35 feet (10.5 m) wide and flanked by tall columns. At its west end was a grand archway. At its other end, the street extended to the theater and market square and beyond, to the southeast, between Mount Cawres and Mount Pion. It grew narrower and on both sides of the street could be seen picturesque fountains, town offices, houses, stores, a library, baths, and a small theater that probably served as a meeting place for the town council. Ephesus was a rich city. On the north slope of Mount Coress, on terraces, were the multi-story houses of the upper and middle classes. Some houses had mosaic floors and marble walls. Two houses with hot water were found. Many houses had running water. Morality in the city can be judged in part by the public and gambling houses located in the center; the depictions of Diana emphasize the sex attributes, indicating a cult of fertility. Christianity had a significant impact on the life of Ephesus. In 431 A.D. the Third Ecumenical Council was held there (in the Church of Mary northwest of the theater), which defined Mary's place as 'the Virgin' in the Western Catholic tradition. By that time Diana, whose temple had been burned by the Goths in 262 A.D., had no longer had any influence on the Ephesians. To some extent the truth of Paul's words that 'those who are made with human hands are not gods' was confirmed (Acts 19:26).

Thessaloniki
(gr. Θεσσαλονίκη)
A large trading city on the road called Via Egnatia (the administrative center of the second of the four districts of Macedonia. The Macedonian king Cassander, one of Alexander the Great's successors, made the village, which originally belonged to the Ionian tribes, his residence and named it after his wife Thessalonica, sister of Alexander. The city experienced its greatest prosperity in Roman times. At the time of Paul's visit it had about 100,000 inhabitants among whom there were many Jews. At the head of the city were two 'polytarchs' (Synod. 'city rulers', Acts 17:6,8), a title found in an inscription preserved on one of the ancient arches. Paul began his activity in F. in the synagogue (vv. 1ff.); Jewish and Greek believers formed a church in the city, which was probably made up mostly of Hellenic Gentile converts (v. 4). While at F. Paul received support from the Philippian believers (Philippians 4:16). But because the Jews soon stirred up unrest, he had to leave the city to save those who had given him hospitality (Acts 17:5-10). To the members of the persecuted and tempted young church Paul later sent two letters (Epistles to the Thessalonians). Two of his collaborators, Aristarchus and Secundus, were also from F. (Acts 20:4; 27:2).

Philippi
(gr. Φίλιπποι)
A city in Macedonia (northern Greece), 12 km from the Aegean coast. It was named after the Macedonian king Philip. In 168 BC the city was conquered by Rome. In 42 B.C. the famous battle between Antony and Octavian Augustus on one side and Brutus and Cassius on the other took place near Philippi. A few years later Octavian made Philippi a Roman colony. The citizens of the city received all the rights enjoyed by the citizens of the cities of Italy. The apostle Paul visited Philippi on his second missionary journey. The first Christian church on the continent of Europe was established in Philippi. Paul and Silas were illegally imprisoned here, but when it was discovered that they were Roman citizens, they were released with apologies. Paul's letter to the Philippians is addressed to the community of Philippi. Acts 16:11-40; 20:6; Philippians; 1 Thessalonians 2:2.

Phrygia
(gr. Φρυγία)
Located high in the mountains is a province within M. Asia between Bithynia in the north and Pisidia in the south, rich in bread and wine, and known for good cattle. Of the cities of Phrygia, Bible mentions Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colossae. On the first Pentecost there were Jews also from Phrygia in Jerusalem (Acts 2:10)). Paul passed through Phrygia twice (Acts 16:6, Acts 18:23).

The fair havens
(gr. Καλοί Λιμένες)
The bay and harbor near the city of Lasea on Crete where the ship with Paul stopped on his way to Rome (Acts 27:8).

Cnidus
(gr. Κνίδος)
A colony of the Lacedæmonians on the Triopian promontory of the Carian Chersonese, built partly in Asia Minor, partly on an island connected to the land by dikes, with two harbors, one of which was for military vessels and the other for merchant ships. It was a major trading city, the center of the cult of Aphrodite, one of the six members of the Doric League, the site of the Doric Games.

Philistia
(lat. Palaestina, ar. فلسطين — Фаластин)
A people who came from Crete (Kaftorim) Amos 9:7. At first their target was Egypt, but having failed, they settled on the coast of Israel. As of today this nation has disappeared from the face of the earth, just as was prophesied in Jer 47:4.

Armageddon
(Heb. הרמגדו ar megiddo - mountain of the city of happiness (places of troops))

Ararat
(arm. Արարատ — holy ground)

Babylon
(heb. ⁸⁹⁴בבל bavel - gate of the gods)
The firstborn city, built by Nimrod after Noah's flood. This city was built by man, as opposed to Jerusalem.

Vatican
(lat. Vaticano is one of the 7 hills of Rome.)
A state of 44 hectares came into existence in 1929 as a result of the treaties of Piem XI and Mussolini. It has embassies in more than 125 countries, is represented in the UN.
The head is the pope, has the unlimited power of the monarch. Has its own flag, anthem, currency, stamps, prison, gendarmerie, train station.
In Vatican employs more than 3,000 people, with 1,000 subjects.
The capital of Vatican is in the billions of dollars.

Galilee
(heb. גליל galil - Galilee, district of the gentiles.)

Calvary
(heb. גוגלולת gulgolet - skull. from גלגל - wheel, rim, circle.)

Zion
(heb. ציון zion - sunny, shining.)
A fortified hill that was captured by David and turned into Jerusalem.

Samaria
(heb. שמרון шомрон - watchtower. from (heb. שמר shomer - watchman.)

Shechem
(heb. ‏שכם shkhem - shoulder.)
Mount Geval (bald) - curses, altar. 300 m (800 meters above the sea)
Mount Garizim (to be cut off, separated) - blessings, temple. 250m

• Abraham's 1st stop in the promised land - the place of Shechem (Gen 12:6);
• 1st altar to God;
• 1st capital of Israel;
• city of refuge, belongs to the Levites in the tribe of Ephraim.

In Shechem lived: Abraham, Jacob, Joshua.
Events:

• raped Dinah;
• killed all the inhabitants in revenge for Dinah;
• Avimelech seized power.

Yaacov stayed in the city of Shechem and bought part of the field (God 33:18).
1219 BC. - Abimelech destroyed.
967 BC. - Jeroboam rebuilt the capital (250 years - did not exist).
in Jesus' time the capital of Samaria.

• altar - with words of the law (decalogue);
• temple - built by Sanavallet (Darius' protege) for Manasseh 300 BC. CE;
• 129 BC destroyed by Hyrcanus;
• Yaakov's well - 2.3 m in diameter, 25 m deep;
• Joseph's tomb;
• oak - (Morah - teacher, archer).
• Abraham builds an altar by the oak;
• Yaacov buried idols under the oak;
• Joshua made a covenant with the people and laid a stone before the oak;
• Abimelech was placed as king before the oak.

Here is everything for the cult - heights, the oak tree in the center of Israel.