Topical Encyclopedia Abgar is a name associated with a series of kings who ruled the small kingdom of Osroene, with its capital at Edessa (modern-day Şanlıurfa, Turkey), during the first few centuries AD. The most notable of these rulers is Abgar V, also known as Abgar Ukkama or Abgar the Black, who is traditionally believed to have reigned from approximately AD 4 to AD 50. The historical and legendary accounts of Abgar V are intertwined with early Christian traditions, particularly concerning his purported correspondence with Jesus Christ.Historical Context Osroene was a small, semi-independent kingdom located in the region of Mesopotamia, strategically positioned between the Roman and Parthian Empires. The kingdom was known for its cultural and religious diversity, serving as a crossroads for various influences, including Hellenistic, Semitic, and later, Christian traditions. Abgar V and Christianity The most famous tradition associated with Abgar V is the legend of his correspondence with Jesus. According to early Christian writings, particularly the "Doctrine of Addai" and the writings of Eusebius of Caesarea, Abgar V, suffering from an illness, wrote a letter to Jesus, acknowledging Him as the Son of God and requesting healing. In response, Jesus allegedly sent a letter back, promising that after His ascension, He would send one of His disciples to heal Abgar and bring salvation to his household. Eusebius, in his "Ecclesiastical History" (Book I, Chapter 13), provides a detailed account of this correspondence, claiming to have seen the letters in the archives of Edessa. The authenticity of these letters has been a subject of debate among scholars, with many considering them apocryphal. Nevertheless, the account reflects the early spread of Christianity into the region and the interest of local rulers in the new faith. The Conversion of Edessa The tradition further holds that Thaddeus (Addai), one of the seventy disciples, was sent to Edessa after Jesus' ascension. Thaddeus is said to have healed Abgar and converted him and many of his subjects to Christianity, establishing Edessa as one of the first Christian states. This narrative underscores the significance of Edessa as a center of early Christianity and its role in the dissemination of the faith in the East. Legacy The Abgar legend has had a lasting impact on Christian tradition, particularly in the Syriac-speaking churches. The account of Abgar's conversion and the establishment of Christianity in Edessa is celebrated in various liturgical texts and has contributed to the city's reputation as a bastion of early Christian thought and culture. While the historical accuracy of the Abgar-Jesus correspondence remains uncertain, the narrative highlights the early interactions between Christianity and the political entities of the Near East. The figure of Abgar V serves as a symbol of the early acceptance and spread of Christianity beyond the borders of the Roman Empire, illustrating the faith's appeal to diverse cultures and peoples. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ABGAR; ABGARUS; ABAGARUSab'-gar, ab-ga'-rus, a-bag'-a-rus (Abgaros): Written also Agbarus and Augarus. A king of Edessa. A name common to several kings (toparchs) of Edessa, Mesopotamia. One of these, Abgar, a son of Uchomo, the seventeenth (14th?) of twenty kings, according to the legend (Historia Ecclesiastica, i.13) sent a letter to Jesus, professing belief in His Messiahship and asking Him to come and heal him from an incurable disease (leprosy?), inviting Him at the same time to take refuge from His enemies in his city, "which is enough for us both." Jesus answering the letter blessed him, because he had believed on Him without having seen Him, and promised to send one of His disciples after He had risen from the dead. The apostle Thomas sent Judas Thaddeus, one of the Seventy, who healed him (Cod. Apocrypha New Testament). Library Reign of Abgar Reign of Sanadroug; Murder of Abgar's Children; the Princess ... Answer to Abgar's Letter, which the Apostle Thomas Wrote to this ... Abgar Sends Princes to Marinus; These Deputies See Our Saviour ... Abgar's Letter to the Saviour Jesus Christ. Abgar Returns from the East; He Gives Help to Aretas in a War ... Abgar Comes into the East, Maintains Ardaches Upon the Throne of ... Extracts from Various Books Concerning Abgar the King and Add??us ... Of the Blessed Add??us the Apostle. From his Teaching which He ... From the Departure of Marath Mary from the World, and the Birth ... Thesaurus Abgar... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ABGAR; ABGARUS; ABAGARUS. ab'-gar, ab-ga'-rus, a-bag'-a-rus (Abgaros): Written also Agbarus and Augarus. A king of Edessa. ... /a/abgar.htm - 7k Thaddaeus (2 Occurrences) Abgarus Abagarus Epistles (2 Occurrences) Abez (1 Occurrence) Syriac (2 Occurrences) Versions Apocryphal Resources What is the Letter of King Abgar to Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Mandylion? | GotQuestions.org Questions about the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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