Africa, the second-largest continent, is mentioned indirectly in the Bible, primarily through its regions and peoples. The continent's biblical significance is often associated with Egypt, Cush (modern-day Sudan and Ethiopia), and Libya. These regions played crucial roles in biblical narratives and the history of the Israelites.

Egypt

Egypt is one of the most frequently mentioned African regions in the Bible. It served as a place of refuge and bondage for the Israelites. The account of Joseph, who was sold into slavery and rose to power in Egypt, is a pivotal narrative (Genesis 37-50). Egypt is also the setting for the Exodus, where God delivered the Israelites from slavery under Pharaoh's rule. The plagues and the parting of the Red Sea are central events in this account (Exodus 7-14).

Egypt is often depicted as a symbol of worldly power and idolatry, yet it also served as a place of refuge for Jesus and His family when they fled from King Herod (Matthew 2:13-15). The prophets frequently spoke against Egypt, warning of its downfall due to its pride and reliance on false gods (Isaiah 19, Ezekiel 29-32).

Cush

Cush, often identified with the region south of Egypt, is mentioned in various contexts. The descendants of Cush, a son of Ham, are listed in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10:6-8). Cushites are noted for their distinct appearance, as seen in Jeremiah 13:23: "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots?"

The Queen of Sheba, who visited King Solomon to test his wisdom, is traditionally associated with the region of Cush or modern-day Ethiopia (1 Kings 10:1-13). This visit highlights the interconnectedness of ancient African kingdoms with Israel.

In the prophetic literature, Cush is often mentioned in the context of God's judgment and redemption. Isaiah 18 speaks of a people "tall and smooth-skinned," likely referring to the Cushites, and anticipates their inclusion in God's future kingdom.

Libya

Libya, referred to as Put in the Bible, is another African region mentioned in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10:6). It is often listed among the allies of Egypt and other nations opposing Israel (Ezekiel 30:5, Nahum 3:9). The Libyans were known for their military prowess and are mentioned as part of the armies that would come against Israel.

Africa in the New Testament

In the New Testament, Africa's presence is noted through individuals and events. Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to carry Jesus' cross, was from Cyrene, a city in modern-day Libya (Mark 15:21). This act of service is a significant moment in the Passion narrative.

The Day of Pentecost saw the presence of Jews and converts from Egypt and parts of Libya, indicating the spread of Judaism and later Christianity into Africa (Acts 2:10). The Ethiopian eunuch, a high official under the Queen of the Ethiopians, was baptized by Philip, marking one of the earliest recorded conversions of an African to Christianity (Acts 8:26-39).

Prophetic and Eschatological References

Prophetic texts often include Africa in the eschatological vision of God's kingdom. Isaiah 11:11 speaks of God's hand reaching out to reclaim the remnant of His people from Cush and other regions. Zephaniah 3:10 mentions the worship of God by people from beyond the rivers of Cush, indicating the inclusion of African nations in the future worship of Yahweh.

Africa's biblical narrative is one of complexity, involving themes of refuge, judgment, and redemption. The continent's peoples and regions are woven into the broader account of God's interaction with humanity, highlighting the universal scope of His plan for salvation.Acts 1:8
But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come on you: and you shall be witnesses to me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 24:14
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then shall the end come.
Topicalbible.org

AFRICA

af'-ri-ka: The name of this tract, as a continent, does not occur in the Bible, and it was only in later days known as one of the quarters of the world, under the name of Libya-that portion opposite the coast of Greece and West of Egypt.

3033. Libue -- "the west bank of the Nile," Libya, a region in N. ...
... 3032, 3033. Libue. 3034 . "the west bank of the Nile," Libya, a region in N.
Africa. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Libue Phonetic Spelling ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3033.htm - 6k

2957. Kurene -- Cyrene, a city in N. Africa
... Cyrene, a city in N. Africa. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Kurene
Phonetic Spelling: (koo-ray'-nay) Short Definition: Cyrene Definition: Cyrene ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2957.htm - 6k

688. Arabia -- Arabia, a peninsula of Asia near Africa
... Arabia, a peninsula of Asia near Africa. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
Arabia Phonetic Spelling: (ar-ab-ee'-ah) Short Definition: Arabia ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/688.htm - 6k

4950. Surtis -- "shoal," Syrtis, the name of two large sandbanks ...
... Transliteration: Surtis Phonetic Spelling: (soor'-tis) Short Definition: Syrtis,
quicksand Definition: Syrtis, a quicksand off the coast of North Africa. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4950.htm - 6k

4949. Surophoinikissa -- a Syrophoenician (woman)
... rof-oy'-nis-sah) Short Definition: Syrophoenician Definition: Syrophoenician, ie
Phoenician (of Syria, in contrast to Carthage and its territory in North Africa ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4949.htm - 6k

3864. Lubim -- inhab. of N. Africa
... of N. Africa. Transliteration: Lubim Phonetic Spelling: (loo-bee') Short Definition:
Lubim. ... of N. Africa NASB Word Usage Libya (1), Libyans (1), Lubim (3). ...
/hebrew/3864.htm - 6k

4714. Mitsrayim -- a son of Ham, also his desc. and their country ...
... a son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in NW Africa. Transliteration: Mitsrayim
Phonetic Spelling: (mits-rah'-yim) Short Definition: Egypt. ...
/hebrew/4714.htm - 6k

To the Bishops of Africa.
... Chapter II. To the Bishops of Africa. Letter of Ninety Bishops of Egypt and Libya,
including Athanasius. 1.-Pre-Eminence of the Council of Nic??a. ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/to the bishops of africa.htm

Epistle xxxvii. To Innocent, Pr??fect of Africa.
... Epistle XXXVII. To Innocent, Pr??fect of Africa. To Innocent, Pr??fect of
Africa. Gregory to Innocent, &c. The lucid eloquence of ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxxvii to innocent praefect.htm

Epistle Lxxiv. To Gennadius, Patrician and Exarch of Africa.
... Epistle LXXIV. To Gennadius, Patrician and Exarch of Africa. To Gennadius,
Patrician and Exarch of Africa. Gregory to Gennadius, &c. ...
/.../epistle lxxiv to gennadius patrician.htm

Of those who do not Communicate in Africa and Would Go Across Seas ...
... (Greek cviii.) Of those who do not communicate in Africa and would go across seas.
Of those who do not communicate in Africa and would go across seas. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon cv greek cviii of.htm

That He Also Adjusted the Controversies which had Arisen in Africa ...
... Book II. Chapter LXVI."That he also adjusted the Controversies which had
arisen in Africa. "Finding, then, that the whole of Africa ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter lxvi that he also adjusted.htm

However, Before those Laws were Sent into Africa by which Men are ...
... A Treatise Chapter 7. " 25. However, before those laws were sent into
Africa by which men are compelled? "25. However, before ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 7 25 however.htm

Letter xii. Leo, Bishop of the City of Rome, to all the Bishops of ...
... Letter XII. Leo, bishop of the city of Rome, to all the bishops of Mauritania
C??sariensis in Africa, greeting the Lord. Leo, bishop ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter xii leo bishop of.htm

Epistle Lxxv. To Gennadius, Patrician, and Exarch Throughout ...
... Epistle LXXV. To Gennadius, Patrician, and Exarch throughout Africa. To
Gennadius, Patrician, and Exarch throughout Africa. Gregory ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lxxv to gennadius patrician.htm

Epistle Lxi. To Gennadius, Patrician and Exarch of Africa.
... Epistle LXI. To Gennadius, Patrician and Exarch of Africa. To Gennadius,
Patrician and Exarch of Africa. Gregory to Gennadius, &c. ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lxi to gennadius patrician.htm

Of the Conversion of Evodius, and the Death of his Mother when ...
... Book IX. Chapter VIII."Of the Conversion of Evodius, and the Death of His Mother
When Returning with Him to Africa; And Whose Education He Tenderly Relates. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter viii of the conversion of.htm

Africa (1 Occurrence)
...AFRICA. ... Other portions of Africa known to the Hebrews were Cush or Ethiopia, and
Put, whose inhabitants they regarded as belonging to the Hamitic stock. ...
/a/africa.htm - 10k

Ophir (12 Occurrences)
... Ophir has been a subject of dispute, the claims of three different regions being
principally advanced, namely (1) India and the Far East, (2) Africa, (3) Arabia ...
/o/ophir.htm - 16k

Leopard (6 Occurrences)
... It is found in Southern Asia and Africa. By some the panther (Felis pardus) is regarded
as a variety of leopard. Int. ... some found in Africa or India. ...
/l/leopard.htm - 13k

Chameleon (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) A lizardlike reptile, changeable in appearance,
of the genus Chamaeleo, of several species, found in Africa, Asia, and Europe. ...
/c/chameleon.htm - 11k

Cush (31 Occurrences)
... But there are intimations which warrant the conclusion that there was also a Cush
in Africa, the Ethiopia (so called by the Greeks) of Africa. ...
/c/cush.htm - 25k

Zoology
... child shall put his hand on the adder's den." The fauna of Palestine is mainly European
and Asiatic, but resembles in some important points the fauna of Africa...
/z/zoology.htm - 18k

Camel (13 Occurrences)
... (2.) The Arabian camel or dromedary, from the Greek dromos, "a runner" (Isaiah
60:6; Jeremiah 2:23), has but one hump, and is a native of Western Asia or Africa...
/c/camel.htm - 21k

Nile (37 Occurrences)
... THE NILE IN RELIGION 1. The Nile as a God 2. The Nile in the Osirian Myth 3. The
Celestial Nile A river of North Africa, the great river of Egypt. ...
/n/nile.htm - 29k

Serpent (40 Occurrences)
... Typhlops vermicularis Merr., Greece and Southwestern Asia; T. simoni Bttgr., Palestine;
Eryx jaculus L., Greece, North Africa, Central and Southwestern Asia ...
/s/serpent.htm - 46k

Latin (2 Occurrences)
... The Motive of Translation 2. Multiplicity of Latin Translations in the 4th Century
3. The Latin Bible before Jerome 4. First Used in North Africa 5. Cyprian's ...
/l/latin.htm - 28k

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