Abilene
Luke 3:1.-A portion of Palestine, of which Abila was the capital. Lysanias was tetrarch. Though the boundary of the tetrarchy is not known, Abila is believed to be identified on the eastern slope of the Anti-Libanus, 33° 38' N., near the wild gorge of the Abana River.
Aceldama‘the Field of Blood.'-
There was a spot near to Jerusalem called 'the field of the potter.' This was bought by the chief priests with the purchase money of the Lord as a burial ground for strangers, cf. Matt. 27:8; Acts 1:19; Zech. 11:12, 13. There is a charnel house on the south of Jerusalem, now in ruins, that is pointed out as the site of the field.
Achaia
Acts 19:21; Rom. 15:26; 1 Cor. 16:15, &c.-This, with Macedonia, included the whole of Greece in N. T. language. At the time when Paul wrote, it was assigned to the Roman Senate, and its ruler was correctly called a 'pro-consul' or 'deputy,' Acts 18:12.
Adramyttium
Acts 27:2.-The seaport of Mysia, in Asia Minor. Paul touched at it in his journey to Rome.
Adria
Acts 27:27.-That part of the Mediterranean Sea lying between Sicily, Italy, and Greece.
ֶNon
John 3:23.-It signifies ‘the springs,' and was near Salim. It was on the west side of the Jordan, cf. John 3:26, but has not been identified. John baptized there because there was 'much water.' Jesus also (or rather his disciples) baptized in Judea, John 3:22.
Alexandria
Acts 18:24; 27:6; 28:11 was founded by Alexander the Great, head of the third great kingdom of Daniel, in B.C. 332, and was intended by him as the capital of Egypt. It was completed by the Ptolemies. It lies near the S.W. corner of the Mediterranean, and is still one of the principal cities of Egypt.
Amphipolis
Acts 17:1.-A city of Macedonia, situate on the river Strymon, about three miles from the sea. Paul and Silas passed through it on their way from Philippi to Thessalonica. It has long been in ruins, but on its site is erected a village called Jeni-keni.
Antioch in Syria.
This was founded about 300 B.C. by Seleucus Nicatorand was adorned and enriched by early emperors. It became the capital in Syria of the Greek kings, and was afterward the residence of the Roman governors. It was beautifully situated on the junction of the heights of Lebanon and of Taurus, where the river Orontes issues from the mountain about 36. 5' N. Lat. It was here that believers in the Lord Jesus were first called Christians, and from here that Paul started on his missionary journeys, and to this place he returned, Acts. 11, 13, 14, 15, 18. Though in Syria, it was so far removed from Jerusalem that it proved a suitable place to form a center for action free from Judaism, though fellowship with the church at Jerusalem was maintained. A small town occupies its site named Antakia.
Antioch in Pisidia.
A Roman colony in Pisidiain Asia Minor: Paul visited it with Barnabas, Acts 13:14, but was expelled by the Jews, 2 Tim. 3:11. This was also founded by Seleucus Nicator. The Romans made it the seat of a pro-consular government. Its site is supposed to correspond with Yalobatch.
Antipatris
Acts 23:31.-A city built by Herod the Great, on the road from Jerusalem to Caesarea. To this place Paul was brought by night. Some identify it with a small village called Kefr-Saba, but others prefer Ras el-Ain, which better agrees with the description given by Josephus.
Apollonia
Acts 17.1.-A city of Macedonia. Paul and Silas passed through it on their way from Philippi and Amphipolis to Thessalonica.
Appii Forum
Acts 28:15.-A station on the main road from Rome to the Bay of Naples, constructed by Appius Claudius. It was about 40 English miles from Rome
Arabia
.-in Gal. 4:25 Mount Sinai Is Said to Be in Arabiathis Is a General Name for the Abode of the Arabs or Arabians, Embracing the East of Lower Egypt, and the East of Palestine and Syria, From the Red Sea to Far North. Paul Went Into Arabia, and From Thence to Damascus, Gal. 1:17.
Areopagus or Mars' Hill
acts 17. 19, 22.-the Greek Is the Same in Both Verses, ὁ” Αοειος Πάγος, the Words Being Translated in Ver. 22. This Was a High Court for Judicial and National Purposes. It Does Not Appear That Paul Was Before the Council Judicially, for to Proclaim a New God Was Punishable With Death; He Was Heard Out of Curiosity by the Philosophers. Sixteen Stone Steps Cut in the Rock Still Lead to the Spot. See Athens.
Arimathea
Matt. 27:57, &c.-The city of Joseph, who 'begged the body of Jesus.' It was 'a city of the Jews,' Luke 23:51. Its site cannot now be identified.
Armageddon. Rev. 16:16.-
This is a Hebrew word in Greek letters and is considered to mean 'Mount of Megiddo.' One naturally turns to Judg. 5:19, where it says that the kings fought by the waters of Megiddo. See also 2 Chron. 35:22; Zech. 12:11. Megiddo is identified with the south of the plain of Esdraelon on the boundary line between ancient portions of Issachar and Manasseh. It was the great battle-field of Palestine.
Asia-
n the N. T. the word 'Asia' must be understood to refer to the Roman province of Asia Minorthough not always of the same extent: in Acts 2:9, 10, Phrygia is distinct from Asia; whereas in 1 Pet. 1:1 and Rev. 1:4, 11, and perhaps other places, Asia would embrace a wider district. Its extent was not definitely settled. In Acts 16: 6 'Asia' refers merely to Mysia, Lydia, and Caria on the east.
Assos
Acts 20:13, 14.-A seaport of Mysia, on the north shore of the Gulf of Adramyttium, in Asia Minor. It may be seen on a map that Paul would be able to walk from Troas to Assos as quickly as a ship could sail the distance. It is now called Behram.
Athens
Acts 17:15, 16, 22; 18:1; 1 Thess. 3:1.-The celebrated capital of Attica, the chief seat of civilization, learning and art in the golden age of Grecian history. The city was adorned with temples and altars to every imaginable deity. It was here that Paul was led to Mars' Hill, where he delivered his address so suitable to a heathen audience of learned men.
Attalia
Acts 14:25.-A seaport of Pamphylia, in Asia Minor, whence Paul sailed on his return to Antioch. It is now called Adalia, and is described as standing on a high cliff above the sea, with no beach.
Azotus
Acts 8:40.-Where Philip was found after accompanying the Eunuch. It is about mid-way between Gaza and Joppa, about three miles from the sea. It is called Ashdod in the O. T., and now Esdud. It was destroyed by the Maccabees, but was restored by the Romans, and assigned to Salome.
Babylon.-
The name refers, to the ancient Babylon, whence the Israelites were carried captive, Matt. 1:11, 12, 17; Acts 7:43; b, a city referred to in 1 Peter 5:13, where there was an assembly. Though the ancient Babylon had been destroyed, Josephus and Philo speak of it as being inhabited in their time, so that it is possible that this is the place alluded to; c, mystical Babylon. Rev. 14:8; 16:19; 17: 5; 18:2: papal Rome; see its description in Rev. 17.; 18.
Berea
Acts 17:10-15; 20:4.-A city of Macedonia near Thessalonica, where the Jews were more noble, in that they searched the scriptures to judge of Paul's preaching. Its modern name is Verria.
Bethabara
John 1:28.-It was somewhere 'beyond' or to the east of Jordan, but where is not known. The oldest MSS. read 'Bethany.' Some suppose the two names refer to the same place.
Bethany
Matt. 21:17; 26:6; Mark 11:1, 12; 14:3; Luke 19:29; 24:50; John 11:1, 18; 12:1.-It signifies 'house of dates.' It was where Lazarus and his sisters resided, and where the Lord found a sort of retreat. It was here that Lazarus was raised from the dead, and it was near this place that the Lord ascended into heaven, on the east slope of the mount of Olives, about two miles from Jerusalem. It is now a miserable hamlet called El. Azariyeh, ' the place of Lazarus.' Cf. Bethabara.
Bethesda
John 5:2.-Its meaning is probably 'house of effusion, or mercy.' It had five porches, in which lay the sick and infirm, waiting for the agitation of the water by an angel. It was near the sheep gate or market. See article on Jerusalem, after article “The division of Time”.
Bethlehem
Matt, 2:1, 6, 8, 16; Luke 2:4, 15; John 7:42.-It signifies 'house of bread.' It was the birthplace of the Lord, and is called ‘the city of David,' Luke 2:11, because David was born there. This must not be confounded with Zion, which is also called 'the city of David,' 2 Sam. 5:7. Its modern name is Beit-lahm. It lies five miles south of Jerusalem, is a better town than some in Palestine, and has about 2,000 inhabitants. It seems beautifully significant that the One who was emphatically the ‘bread of God’ and the ‘bread of life’ should have been born in ‘the House of Bread’.
Bethphage
Matt. 21:1; Mark 2:1; Luke 19:29,-It signifies ‘house of figs.' A village on the eastern declivity of the mount of Olives, not far from Bethany. Its site is not now identified.
Bethsaida
Matt. 11:21 Mark 6:45; Luke 10:13; John 1:44; 12:21.‒It signifies 'house of fish.' There can be little doubt that there were two places of this name: indeed this is implied by one being called Bethsaida 'of Galilee,' to distinguish it from some other. This was on the west of the Lake of Tiberias near the north. In the 'woes' pronounced by the Lord, it is associated with Capernaum and Chorazin—places also near the north end of the lake. Philip, Andrew, and Peter were of this city. Its site cannot now be identified. The other Bethsaida was on the east of the lake, farther north, near the desert, where the five thousand were fed. Luke 9:10: cf, Matt. 14:13; Mark 6:32. Mark 8:22 also refers to the same. This city was called 'Julias' by Philip the Tetrarch, after the emperor's daughter Julia. A mound of shapeless stones, called et-Tell, ‘the hill,' is supposed to mark its site.
Bithynia
Acts 16:7; 1 Peter 1:1.-A mountainous district in the north of Asia Minor. It was a Roman province. Paul was not suffered to enter there; but it is one of the places mentioned by Peter in his epistle to the strangers of the dispersion.
Cæsarea
Acts 8:40; 9:30, &c.-The celebrated seaport of Palestine, about 70 miles north-west of Jerusalem. Paul repeatedly visited the port in his travels. Herod built the harbor and city. It was the seat of the Roman governors, and where Paul spent two years as a prisoner. It is now called Kaisarieh, and is described as a mass of prostrate columns and ruined masonry, without an inhabitant.
Cæsarea Philippi
Matt. 16:13; Mark 8:27.-In the north of Palestine, on the east of the Jordan, a little south of mount Hermon, perhaps as far north on the east of Jordan as the Lord visited. It was thus named by Philip the Tetrarch, but was originally called Paneas. Its modern name is Banias.
Calvary
Luke 23:33.-See article on Jerusalem, after article “The division of Time”.
Cana of Galilee
John 2:1, 11; 4:46; 21:2.-The place of the Lord's first miracle, turning the water into wine, and the city to which Nathanael belonged. It was in the neighborhood of Capernaum, and on higher ground, The Lord went down to Capernaum. It has been identified by some with Kefr-Kenna, about four and a half miles north-east of Nazareth, but others prefer Kana-el-Jelil (or Khurbet Kana), about eight miles north-east of Nazareth.
Canaan
Matt, 15:22.-A name corresponding to Palestine.
Capernaum
att. 4:13; 8:5; 11:23, &c.-Remarkable as being designated the Lord's 'own city,' Matt. 9:1; Mark 2:1. It was perhaps the place where He dwelt more than any other. There He did many miracles, and spoke many ‘gracious words,' but He was rejected there, and this called forth this solemn ‘woe' against it: it should be brought down to hades, Matt. 11:23. It was on the west side of the lake, 'upon the sea coast in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim.' Many identify it with Tell Hum; others prefer Khan Minyeh.
Cappadocia
Acts 2:9; 1 Peter 1:1.-A Roman province in the most eastern part of Asia Minor, but extending eastward to the Euphrates. Jews from thence were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost; and Peter includes them in his first epistle.
Cedron
John 18:1.-Another form of Kidron or Kedron. A ravine in which flowed the brook, at the east of Jerusalem, separating it from the mount of Olives, but which is now nearly always dry.
Cenchrea
Acts 18:18; Rom. 16:1.‒ The eastern port of Corinth, from which it was distant about nine miles. There was an assembly there.
Chanaan.-Same As Canaan.
Charran
Acts 7:2, 4.-The same as Haran, Gen. 11:31, &c., where the LXX has Χαοοάν: the plain of Mesopotamia, between the rivers Khabour and the Euphrates. There is an Arab village in the district called Harran.
Chaldזans
Land of the, Acts 7. 4.-The district between the rivers Tigris and Euphrates.
Chios
Acts 20:15.-An island in the ֶgean Sea, near the west coast of Asia Minor: now Scios.
Chorazin
Matt. 11:21; Luke 10:13.-One of the cities on which a 'woe' was pronounced by the Lord because of rejecting Him, His words, and His works. It was doubtless near the lake of Gennesaret on the west side, and its site is supposed by some to be identified with Kerazeh, where are extensive ruins; but others identify it with Tell Hum.
Cilicia
Acts 6:9; 15:41; 21:39; Gal. 1:21.-A district in Asia Minor at the extreme N.E. corner of the Mediterranean. Tarsus was its capital, to which Paul belonged.
Cnidus
Acts 27:7.-A city and sea-port passed by Paul on his way to Rome. It is in the extreme S.W. of Asia Minor.
Colosse
Col. 1:2.-A city in Phrygia in Asia Minor, twelve miles nearly east of Laodicea, It does not appear that Paul had visited the place before he wrote the epistle to the church there: cf. Col. 2:1. Its ruins are supposed to be 3 miles north of the town of Khonas.
Coos
Acts 21. I.-An island on the south-west of Asia Minor; same as Cos.
Corinth
Acts 18:1; 19:1; 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:1, 23; 2 Tim. 4:20.-The learned and wealthy but dissolute capital of Achaia. There had been an earlier city, but the one referred to in the Acts was founded by Julius Caesar. Paul continued there eighteen months, and thence he wrote the first and second Epistles to the Thessalonians, and afterward the Epistle to the Romans. He had been the means of the conversion of the Corinthians, to whom he wrote the two Epistles bearing their name. Corinth is now only a mean village, with a few fragments of its former greatness.
Crete.
Acts 27:712, 13, 21; Titus 1:5, 12.-A large island in the Mediterranean, not far from Greece, also called Candia. Some Jews from Crete were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost. These may have received and carried to Crete the gospel. Paul at a late date, apparently visited Crete, and left Titus there to set things in order and to ordain elders in every city. The Cretans had gained an unenviable notoriety for untruthfulness.
Cyprus
Acts 4:36; 11:19; 15:39; 21:3,16; 27:4.-An extensive island at the east end of the Mediterranean: the ‘Chittim' of the Old Testament. When the church was scattered abroad at the persecution respecting Stephen, some went to Cyprus. Paul himself labored there. It is remarkable as having belonged to the nations of Greece, Persia, Rome, Egypt, and being now under the government of England.
Cyrene
Matt. 27:32; Acts 2:10; 11:20; 13:1.-A Greek city on the north coast of Africa, nearly opposite to Crete. Many Jews resided there, and some from thence were in Jerusalem at Pentecost; and the Cyrenians had a synagogue also in the city.
Dalmanutha.
By comparing Mark 8:10 with Matt. 15:39 it appears that the 'borders of Magdala' (or 'Magadan' as some MSS. read) and the 'parts of Dalmanutha' were either the same district or very close to each other, on the west side of the lake. Dalmanutha is supposed to lie a little south of Magdala.
Dalmatia
2 Tim. 4:10.-A mountainous district in Illyricum, on the east coast of the Adriatic, visited by Titus. Paul had preached in Illyricum: Rom. 15:19.
Damascus.
A city in or just outside the northern extremity of Palestine, 33° 30 N. It is mentioned as early as Gen. 15:2, and became a place of extensive commerce. In the N. T. it is of interest in connection with Paul's conversion, and as being the place where he first preached: Acts 9.; 22:5-11; 26: 12, 20; 2 Cor. 11:32 Gal. 1:17. Damascus has still a long and wide thoroughfare that may well have been called ‘Straight Street,' Acts 9:11, now called 'Street of Bazaars.' It is still a large city of some 210,000 inhabitants, of which 180,000 are Mohammedans: the poverty of the Christians and Jews is great. Its natural beauties are sadly contrasted with the dirt and contamination usual in a Turkish city. A railway from Acre (Akka) to Damascus has been projected.
Decapolis,
district of 'ten cities,'Matt. 4:25; Mark 5:20; 7:31. -A district in Syria, the limits of which are unknown; the ten cities are held to be Canatha, Hippos, Abila, Gadara, Capitolias, Dium, Pella, Gerasa, Philadelphia, on the east, and Scythopolis on the west of the Jordan. (See map illustrating the Journeyings of Christ.)
Derbe
Acts 14:6, 20; 16:1.-A city in the plain of Lycaonia, near Lystra in Asia Minor.
Egypt.
The well-known country on the north of Africa. It, is principally referred to in the N. T. as the place where Israel was in bondage. When Herod was seeking the life of Jesus He was carried into Egypt, and thence He was called, as was Israel, as God's Son: Matt. 2:13-19. In Rev. 11:8 Jerusalem is called spiritually, Sodom and Egypt.
Emmaus
Luke 24:13.-A village about 7½ miles from Jerusalem, but in what direction is not known. It was the village to which the Lord walked in company with two of his disciples, from whose sight He vanished after breaking the bread.
Ephesus
Acts 18:19, 21, 24; 19:1, 17, 26; 20:16, 17; 1 Cor. 15:32; 16:8; Eph. 1:1; 1 Tim. 1:3; 2 Tim. 1:18; 4:12; Rev. 1:11; 2:1. -The capital of proconsular Asia, a large and luxurious city lying near the sea on the west of Asia Minor, renowned for its commerce, and its heathen temple which drew many pilgrims to the place. In the Revelation Ephesus is the first named of the seven churches in Asia. There is now, besides extensive ruins and a railway station, only a wretched Turkish village, called Ayasolook.
Ephraim
John 11:54.-A city near to the wilderness, to which the Lord retired when they sought his life after the raising of Lazarus. It is probably Taiyibeh, about 17 miles N.N.E. of Jerusalem on the mountains.
Euphrates
Rev. 9:14.; 16:12.-The well-known river on which the city of Babylon was built; it formed the boundary that separated the nations of the East from the promised land. It has two sources in the far north, which unite and form a broad and deep river; it runs nearly south, and is eventually joined by the river Tigris, and empties itself into the Persian Gulf.
Fair Havens
Acts 27:8.-A harbor on the south of Crete. It is shut in on the west by a bold headland, and on the south it is sheltered by an island, forming thus a safe anchorage; but being open to the east it is 'incommodious' to winter in.
Gabbatha.
John 19:13.-the Hebrew Name of the Place of Judgment at Jerusalem, Called the Pavement (Probably Tessellated), Because It Was Paved With Stones, As the Greek Word Implies; but the Hebrew Word Signifies 'High or Elevated.'
Galatia
Acts 16:6; 18:23; 1 Cor. 16.; Gal. 1:2; 2 Tim. 4:10; 1 Peter 1:1.‒A central province in Asia Minor, having Bithynia on the north, and Lycaonia on the south. The district was not always of the same extent: Lystra and Derbe in Lycaonia may have formed part of Galatia in the time of the Acts. Paul speaks of ‘the churches' of Galatia, but where these assemblies were situated is not known.
Galilee.-
A large district towards the north of Palestine on the west of the Jordan and the lake, having Samaria on its south. After the captivity, many from various nations settled in Galilee, which accounts for its being called 'Galilee of the Gentiles,' Matt. 4:15; though many Jews were there also. In Galilee much of the time of the Lord's ministry was spent, Matt. 4:23; Mark 1:39; and there many of His miracles were performed, which called forth the doom of those that rejected Him. Galilee had many towns and villages, and was thickly populated.
Gaza
Acts 8:26.-A village situated near the Mediterranean, about 31° 30' N., now called Ghuzzeh. Water may still be seen near the road in the neighborhood of which the Ethiopian was baptized: it is a district 'without villages or fixed habitation.'
Gennesaret, Lake of; Sea of Galilee; Sea of Tiberias.-
See description in “Physical features of Palestine”.
Gennesaret, Land of
Matt. 14:34; Mark 6:53 -A district of Galilee, lying to the N.W. of the Lake, a most fertile plain of about a mile wide, and three miles long. Springs run through it into the lake.
Gethsemane
Matt. 26:36; Mark 14:32.-A garden on the slope of the Mount of Olives, to which our Lord often resorted with His disciples. The brook Cedron had to be crossed to reach the spot from Jerusalem. It was the place of the Lord's agony, where He was exceeding sorrowful even unto death,' His agony ' being such that the ground was moistened with His sweat as drops of blood! Here He was betrayed and taken prisoner. An enclosed space, in which are eight old olive trees, is shown to travelers as the garden of Gethsemane; but there is no certainty that this is the right spot. Titus cut down all the trees round Jerusalem at its siege.
Golgotha.
See article on Jerusalem, after article “The division of Time”.
Gomorrha.
See Sodom.
Greece
Acts 20:2.-See Achaia.
Hierapolis
Col. 4:13.-A city near to Colosse and Laodicea in Asia Minor. It is now called Pambouk Kalesi, in which there are many ruins.
Iconium
Acts 13:51; 14:1, 19, 21; 16:2; 2 Tim. 3:11-A large city in Lycaonia, Asia Minor. Most of the cities in Asia were inhabited by Jews and Gentiles, and here a great number of Jews and Greeks believed, resulting in an assembly being gathered. It is now called Konieh, a town of considerable extent.
Idumזa
Mark 3:8.-The same as Edom: a large district on the south of Judaea. Some from thence were in Jerusalem at the Pentecost.
Illyricum
Rom. 15:19.-A district along the N.E. of the Adriatic, visited by Paul.
Italy
Acts 18:2; 27:1, 6; Heb. 13:24.-The well-known European country of which Rome is the capital. In the Acts it is used as if synonymous with Rome. The passage in Hebrews does not necessarily imply that the epistle was written in Rome: it is better translated, 'They from Italy salute you.'
Iturזa
Luke 3:1.-A district in the north, on the east of the Jordan. It was given with Trachonitis to Philip.
Jericho
Matt. 20:29; Mark 10:46; Luke 10:30; 18:35; 19:1; Heb. 11:30.-A city about fifteen miles N.E. of Jerusalem, and five miles from the Jordan. In N. T. times, after having been burnt down, it was restored with great splendor by Archelaus. The road from Jerusalem to Jericho is still at times unsafe. It is some 1,800 feet below Jerusalem, being a more or less steep descent all the way. The miserable village of Riha is sometimes called Jericho; but this is a mile and a half from where ancient Jericho is believed to have stood.
Jerusalem.
See article on Jerusalem, after article “The division of Time”.
Jewry
Luke 23:5; John 7:1.-Merely another, and an incorrect name for Judaea.
Joppa
Acts 9:36; 11:13.-A sea-port town in the Mediterranean, N.W. of Jerusalem; it is the nearest port to that city, but has no safe landing place. This is where Peter had the vision of the sheet from heaven, to prepare him for visiting Cornelius. Its population is about 5,000, of which 1,000 are nominal Christians. Its modern name is Yaffa or Jaffa. A railway now runs from Jaffa to Jerusalem.
Jordan.
See Physical Features of Palestinejuda
Matt. 2:6; Luke 1:39.-The part of Palestine allotted to Judah.
Judזa.
The province containing all the country south of Galilee and west of the Jordan, John 4:3, 47, 54, &c. In some passages the name has a wider meaning; in Matt. 19:1 it includes the east of the Jordan, and in Luke 1:5, where Herod is called 'king of Judaea,' it signifies the whole of Palestine.
Laodicea
Col. 2:1; 4:13, 15, 16; Rev. 1:11; 3:14.-In Phrygia, or Caria, in the west of Asia Minor. It was formally called Diospolis, but was re-built by Antiochus Theos, and named after his wife Laodice. It was completely destroyed by an earthquake, but the inhabitants were wealthy enough to rebuild the city, without asking aid from the state: cf. Rev. 3:17. A traveler says: "Nothing can exceed the desolation and melancholy appearance of the site of Laodicea." A village among the extensive ruins is named Eski-hissar. See Ephesus, note.
Lasea
Acts 27:8.-A city of Crete, near the port of 'the Fair Havens.' Some ruins still bear the name.
Libya
Acts 2:1.-The north-west of Africa, adjoining Egypt.
Libya
Acts 14:6, 11.-A district in Asia Minor, lying between Cappadocia and Pisidia, Galatia and Cilicia. Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe were its principal towns. The crowds spoke in the provincial Greek dialect of the place.
Lycia
Acts 27:5.-A small district in the south of Asia Minor, on the Mediterranean, Long. 30° E. Myra was its capital.
Lydda
Acts 9:32-38.-In the plains of Sharon, twelve miles from Joppa, on the south-east. Here Peter cured ֶneas of the palsy. In the fourth century it had its bishop, and there are still the remains of a church. The name is the same as the Hebrew Lod, and the present village is called Lud.
Lystra
Acts 14:6, 8, 21; 16:1, 2; 2 Tim. 3:11.-A city, near Derbe, in Lycaonia in Asia Minor. It was here that the heathen wished to sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas, but afterward, being influenced by the Jews, they stoned Paul and left him for dead.
Macedonia
Acts 16:9.; Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 1:16; 2:13; 8:1; Thess. 4:10; 1 Tim. 1:3, &c.-The northern part of Greece, from whence sprang the third great empire of Daniel. It was the first district in Europe in which the gospel was preached by Paul.
Madian, Land of
Acts 7:29.-The same as Midian, named after the fourth son of Abraham by Keturah. His descendants are supposed to have dwelt on the eastern border of Edom, but were not stationary, being nomads.
Magdala
Matt. 15:39.-On the west of the Lake of Gennesaret, a little north of its center. It is memorable on account of Mary Magdalene, or 'of Magdala.' It now consists of about 20 huts, and is called Mejdel.
Mar's Hill-See Areopagus.
Melita
Acts 28:1.-The well known island in the Mediterranean, where Paul was shipwrecked, now called Malta.
Mesopotamia
Acts 2:9; 7:2.-The region lying between the rivers Euphrates and the Tigris. It is where Nahor and Abraham lived, and from whence Jews came to the feasts at Jerusalem in the days of the apostles. It was merged in the Babylonian Empire.
Miletum, Miletus
Acts 20:15, 17; 2 Tim. 4:20.-A city in the S.W. of Asia Minor, about 36 miles south of Ephesus, near the seacoast. It was here that Paul held the important interview with the Ephesian elders.
Mitylene
Acts 20:4.-The chief city of Lesbos, an island in the ֶgean Sea, near Pergamos.
Nain
Luke 7:11.-In Galilee, some 8 miles south by east of Nazareth. The approach to the place is by a steep ascent from the plain of Esdraelon; rocks and sepulchers abound in the vicinity. It is where Jesus raised to life the widow's son. It is now a small hamlet of about 20 houses, and is called Nein.
Nazareth
Matt. 2:23; Mark 1:9; Luke 2:39, 51; John 1:46; Acts 2:22, &c. -A town in Galilee, lying 6 miles west of mount Tabor. Though on a mountain it is surrounded by hills, which shelter it from the bleak winds. It was here that Joseph and Mary took up their abode on their return from Egypt, and where the Lord probably spent the earlier years of His life. The place was despised by the Jews, which led Nathanael to ask, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" and to the Lord being called a Nazarene, as an inhabitant of Nazareth. Acts 24:5 shows that the term ‘Nazarene' was applied to the early Christians, and indeed to this day in Palestine Christians are often called Nazarenes. Travelers say it is easy to find the hill, headlong down which the inhabitants sought to cast the Lord, when He spoke to them of grace having gone forth to the Gentiles, Luke 4:29. Nazareth is now called en-Nasirah, and has between 3,000 and 4,000 inhabitants. On the hill-side is a famous spring called the 'Fountain of the Virgin,' and there is but little doubt that at this fountain nearly two thousand years ago might have been seen the mother of the Lord with her pitcher, as the women of the place may now be seen at the close of the day.
Neapolis
Acts 16:11-The seaport of Philippi, where Paul first landed in Europe. It is now called Kavala, on the coast of Roumelia. It has a population of about 5,000, mostly Moslems.
Nephthalim.
See ZABULON.
Nicopolis,
‘City of Victory,'Titus 3:12.-There Were Several Places of This Name; but the One Alluded to Is Supposed to Be Situated in the Epirus, South-West of Macedonia. Paul Had Determined to Winter at This Place.
Nineve
Matt. 12:41; Luke 11:30, 32.-The Nineveh of the Old Testament, the capital of the Assyrian empire, situate on the Tigris, about 36° 20 N. The Ninevites repented at the preaching of Jonah, and they will rise up in judgment against the inhabitants of Palestine, who did not repent at the preaching and miracles of the Lord. Nineveh sinned afterward, and was destroyed, Ezek. 31.; Zeph. 2:13-15. Its ruins are extensive, and many ancient monuments have been discovered, and are in the European museums.
Pamphylia
Acts 2:10; 13:13; 14:24; 15:38; 27:5 A district in Asia Minor visited by Paul. It lies on the south coast, with Cilicia on the, east, and Lycia on the west.
Paphos
Acts 13:6, 13.-A city on the west coast of Cyprus. It was here that Paul condemned Elymas, who sought to prevent Sergius Paulus from listening to him.
Patara
Acts 21:1.-A seaport in Lycia, lying to the east of Rhodes, from whence Paul on his third missionary journey sailed to Phœnice.
Patmos
Rev. 1:9.-The island to which the apostle John was banished, by Domitian as is supposed. It is a rocky island in the a ֶgean Sea, near Samos. There is a town half an hour's climb from the harbor, with 4,000 or 5,000 Greek inhabitants. The island is now called Patino.
Perga
Acts 13:13, 14; 14:25.-An ancient town of Pamphylia, situate on the river Cestrus. It was twice visited by Paul. Extensive ruins of the city remain.
Pergamos
Rev. 1:11; 2:12.-An ancient city of Mysia, in the N.W. of Asia Minor. The city is still of some importance, with a population of about 14,000, of which 3,000 are nominal Christians. See Ephesus, note.
Phenice
Acts 27:12.-A town and harbor in Crete. The vessel in which Paul sailed was attempting to reach this harbor when it was caught by the wind and wrecked. The Authorized Version says the haven "lieth toward the S.W. and N.W.;" but the expression is now held to mean that it "looks towards the N.E. and S.E." It has been identified with the modern Lutro. This harbor is described as being open to the east, but a small island lies almost in front of it; it has thus two entrances, one looking to the N.E., and the other to S.E. See also under Phœnicia.
Philadelphia
Rev. 1:11; 3:7.-A city in Lydia, in the west of Asia Minor. It was built by Attalus Philadelphus, king of Pergamos. It has several times been more or less destroyed by earthquakes. It is still a considerable town, named Ala-Shehr. See Ephesus, note.
Philippi
Acts 16:12; 20:6; Phil. 1:1; 1 Thess. 2:2.-A noted city of Macedonia, named after Philip, the father of Alexander the Great. It was a Roman military colony. Here Lydia was converted, and the jailor and his house. The word was so effectual that an assembly was gathered, the first in Europe, and an epistle was written to the saints there. It was called the chief (or rather first) city, not of Macedonia as a whole, but of that part of Macedonia. Extensive ruins are now all that are left of the city.
Phœnicia, Phenice, Phenicia
Acts 11:19;15:3; 21:2. Phœnice proper was a narrow strip of land on the Mediterranean. extending S. of Tire and N. of Sidon, but afterward extended far north, and was there much wider.
Phrygia
Acts 2:10; 16:6; 18:21.-A large district in the center of Asia Minor, having Bithynia on the north, and Pisidia on the south; but its extent varied at different times. Jews from this district were at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, and Paul twice traversed the plain in his missionary journeys.
Pisidia
Acts 13:14; 14:24.-A comparatively narrow district in Asia Minor, between Phrygia and Pamphylia. It is a mountainous country, and was inhabited by a wild and lawless people, who were never thoroughly subdued by either the Greeks or the Romans. It was twice visited by Paul, and it may have been here that he experienced the 'perils of robbers,' of which he speaks.
Pontus
Acts 2:9; 18:2; 1 Peter 1:1.‒The N.E. district of Asia Minor, forming part of the coast of the Euxine Sea. Jews from thence were at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, and some were addressed as believers by Peter in his first Epistle. It was made a Roman province under Nero.
Ptolemais
Acts 21:7.-A maritime town in Palestine 32° 55 N. Its name was Accho, but was changed by the Ptolemies. Napoleon called it the key of Palestine, and it has been the scene of several sieges. It is now called Acre or Akka.
Puteoli
Acts 28:13.-A port in Italy on the N.E. of the Bay of Naples, and where Paul landed on his way to Rome. The city was sacked by Alaric and Genseric, and never recovered.
Rama
Matt. 2:18.-Called in Jer. 31:15 Ramah -Rachel was the mother of Benjamin, and Ramah was a town in Benjamin; but the children to be killed were in Bethlehem of Judah: still the two tribes were so united that the passage represents Rachel weeping for her children. In Jeremiah the weeping appears to be for the children of Ephraim; Rachel being the grandmother of Ephraim, they can also be called her children. Rama is identified with Er-Ram, about 5½ miles north of Jerusalem.
Red Sea
Acts 7:36; Heb. 11:29.-The well-known sea on the east of northern Africa. Its southern extremity opens into the Indian Ocean, and from thence it runs N.N.W. for about 1,400 miles. Near its northern extremity it divides into the Gulf of Suez on the west, in length about 200 miles, and the Gulf of Akaba to the east, 140 miles long. It was, as far as is known, the Gulf of Suez that the Israelites crossed, near its northern extremity.
Rhegium.
Acts 28:13.A city on the coast of Italy, near its S.W. extremity. Paul's ship waited there one day for a favorable wind. The place is now called Reggio, and is the capital of Calabria.
Rhodes
Acts 21:1.-An island lying near the S.W. corner of Asia Minor: once a place of renown, but from wars and other causes is reduced to poverty, as other places under Turkish rule.
Rome
Acts 2:10; 18:2; 23:11; 28:16; Rom. 1:7,15. The well known chief city of Italy. It is only mentioned in the N.T. by name as the seat of the Roman Empire, but is also referred to as the head of apostate Christendom: cf. Rev. 17.
Salamis
Acts 13:5.-A city on the S.E. of Cyprus. By synagogues (in the plural) being mentioned, there were doubtless many Jews living in the place when Paul and Barnabas visited it.
Salem
Heb. 7:1, 2.-Supposed by some to refer to Jerusalem, because of Psa. 76:2: cf. Gen. 14:18.
Salim
John 3:23.-See ֶnon.
Salmone
Acts 27:7.-The east point of the island of Crete.
Samaria
Some passages refer to the district, situate in the center of Palestine, through which travelers passed from Judזa to Galilee, Luke 17:11; John 4:4, 5 Acts 1:8; 15:3, &c. In Acts 8:5, 9, 14 the city of Samaria is spoken of. It was in the O.T. the capital of Israel after the division, 1 Kings 16:29. It was rased to the ground by John Hyrcanus but was afterward rebuilt and enlarged by Herod, who called it Sebaste. This was the city visited by Philip. It is beautifully situated, about 6 miles north-west of Nablous, but is now only a miserable village, called Sebustiyeh, with many relics of its former grandeur.
Samos
Acts 20:15 -An island on the west coast of Asia Minor, near Ephesus.
Samothracia
Acts 16:11.-A mountainous island at the extreme N.E. corner of the ֶgean Sea.
Sardis
Rev. 1:11; 3:1, 4.-Once the rich and chief city of Lydia (where Crsus was king) in the west of Asia Minor. In the thirteenth century it was destroyed, and now there is only a village with a few inhabitants. See Ephesus, note.
Sarepta
Luke 4:26 (called in 1 Kings 17:9, Zarephath).-It was on or near the seashore in Phœnice, between Tire and Sidon. Its being a Gentile town gives point to the Lord's reference to it, A poor village on the hills is called Surafend, but the ruins are on the seashore.
Saron
Acts 9:35 (same as the Plain of Sharon, 1 Chron. 27:29, &c.)-A maritime district lying north of Jaffa.
Seleucia.
Acts 13:4.A seaport of Syria, in the north, near to Antioch, and where Paul and Barnabas landed on their first missionary journey. It is now all deserted.
Sidon
Matt. 11:21; 15:21; Mark 3:8; 7:24; Luke 4:26; 6:17; 10:13; Acts 12:20; 27: 3 (called Zidon in the O.T.).-A port and city in Phœnice. It was of great renown in O.T. times, but was prophesied against by Jehovah. The place is still a green spot, and its fruits of the best quality.
Siloam
Pool of, John 9:7, it: See article on Jerusalem, after article “The division of Time”.
Siloamtower of
Luke 13:4.-This has not been identified.
Sion
Matt. 21:5; John 12:15; Rom. 9:33; 11:26; Heb. 12:22; 1 Peter 2:6 Rev. 14:1.-Same as Mount Zion of the O. T. It was evidently a part of Jerusalem, which was also called the city of David, and where he dwelt: 2 Sam. 5:7; 1 Chron. 11:7. The ark was afterward taken to the same place. From this connection it came to be typical of the place of blessing, and also of the Messiah's royal power on earth. It is not certain which part of Jerusalem was Mount Zion: it was probably on the S.W., communicating with the temple area by a bridge.
Sina, Sinai, Mount
Acts 7:30, 38; Gal. 4:24, 25.-In the O. T. Mount Sinai and Mount Horeb are closely associated; so Acts 7. speaks of the angel of the Lord appearing to Moses in a flame of fire in a bush in the wilderness of Mount Sina; whereas Ex. 3:1 speaks of it as being on the mountain of God, even Horeb. A range of hills lies between the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Akabah, which bears the names of Horeb and Sinai, the former embracing a larger range than the latter. In the Galatians it is used symbolically to point out the bondage of the law in contrast to the liberty of the children of God.
Smyrna
Rev. 1:11; 2:8.-A renowned commercial city in the west of Asia Minor, about 40 miles north of Ephesus. Polycarp is called in history the first bishop of Smyrna: it is where he suffered martyrdom. Modern Smyrna is a large city of more than 180,000 inhabitants; many are attached to the Greek and Armenian churches. Steamers from Europe call there. See Ephesus, note.
Sodom, Sodoma
Matt. 10:15; 11:23 23; Mark 6:11; Luke 10:12; 17:29; Rom. 9:29; 2 Peter 2. 6; Jude 7; Rev. 11:8.-Mostly associated with Gomorrah, cities of the plain, the destruction of which by direct judgment from heaven is recorded in Gen. 19., and is ever afterward held up as a warning to the wicked; and as pointing out that the rejecters of Christ and His gospel must look for an even more severe condemnation. In Revelation 11:8, Jerusalem, because of its grievous sins, is"spiritually called Sodom." The situation of the cities has not been traced, but they are supposed to have some association with the Dead Sea.
Spain
Rom. 15:24, 28.-The well-known country in Europe. Whether Paul visited Spain after his first imprisonment at Rome is not known: we have no detailed record of his latest movements.
Sychar
John 4:5.-A city of Samaria, "near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there." Its site has not been identified very clearly, but is associated by some with Sychem; but the Bordeaux Pilgrim, A.D. 333; speaks of Sichem as 1,000 paces from Sychar. Others place it at Askar.
Sychem
Acts 7:16.-The Greek form of Shechem. This is now mostly identified with the modern Nablous, which contains a small Samaritan synagogue, and five mosques. About a mile and a half to the S.E. is what is said to be Jacob's well, and about a quarter of a mile to the north of this is the reputed Joseph's tomb. Near to Nablous are the mountains of Ebal and Gerizim, on the latter of which the Samaritans still kill and eat the Passover, and there are ruins on a spot where it is supposed their temple stood: cf. John 4:20.
Syracuse
Acts 28:12.-A renowned city on the east coast of Sicily. Paul spent three days there on his voyage to Rome.
Syria. Matt. 4:24; Acts 15:2341, &C.-It Is Named With Cilicia, and Associated With the Mission to the Gentiles. Syria Lies to the North of Palestine, With Mesopotamia on the East, and the Mediterranean Sea and Cilicia on the West; but the Word 'Syria' Is Used by the Romans As Including Palestine As Well As the Parts to the North.
Tarsus
Acts 9:11, 30; 11:25; 21:39; 22:3.-The capital of Cilicia in Asia Minor. It was "no mean city" of a Roman province. It was where Paul was born, and was at that time celebrated as a seat of learning. Paul visited Tarsus after his conversion, but we do not know the result. It has still some thousands of inhabitants.
Thessalonica
Acts 17:1, 11, 13; 27:2; Phil. 4:16; 2 Tim. 4:10. A city in the S.E. of Macedonia. It was so named by Cassander, in honor of Thessalonica, the sister of Alexander the Great. It was visited by Paul on his second and third missionary journeys, and to the Thessalonians two epistles are addressed. It is now called Salonika, and, next to Constantinople, is one of the most important cities in European Turkey.
Thyatira
Acts 16:14; Rev. 1:11; 2:18, 24.-Situated in Lydia in the west of Asia Minor, a day's journey S.E. of Pergamos. It is still a town called Ak-hissar, where are many ruins. See Ephesus, note.
Tiberias
John 6:1, 23.-A city on the west shore of the Lake of Gennesaret, a little south of the center. It was founded by Herod Antipas, and named after the emperor Tiberius (the lake sometimes being called by the same name). It became the capital of the province of Galilee. It was classed by the Jews, along with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed, as one of their four holy cities, renowned as seats of learned men. It is now called Tubariyeh, and has a population of about 3,000.
Trachonitis
Luke 3:1.-The N.E. portion of the province of Philip, about 33° N., and 36° 30 E. It is now called El-Lejeh.
Troas
Acts 16:8, 11; 20:5, 6; 2 Cor. 2:12; 2 Tim. 4:13.-On the coast of Mysia, a little south of 40° N., called on the map Alexandria Troas. It was the port from which Paul sailed when he first visited Europe. It is now called Eski-Stamboul, where are many ruins.
Trogyllium
Acts 20:15.-A town on the western coast of Asia Minor between Ephesus and Miletus in the זgean Sea.
Tire
Luke 6:17; 10:13, 14; Acts 21:3, 7 (often associated with Sidon).-In O.T. times an ancient and renowned seaport in Phnice, about 33° 15' N. It was fearfully denounced by the prophets, and has suffered many sieges. A prophecy said, "I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock.... thou shalt be no more: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord God," Ezek. 26:4, 21. All travelers tell of the complete destruction of old Tire. New Tire is represented by a miserable village: an earthquake has shattered the larger houses, and they are now deserted. Its name is now Sur or Soor.
Zabulon
Matt. 4:13, 15.-The portion of the land given to the tribe of Zebulon. It extended from the shore of the Lake of Gennesaret nearly to the Mediterranean. It is associated with Nephthalim, which joined it on the north (both being in Galilee), as seeing a great light, fulfilled by the Lord dwelling in the neighborhood, visiting their synagogues, working miracles, and teaching the people.