Topical Encyclopedia Alexandria, a prominent city in ancient Egypt, holds significant historical and cultural importance in the context of early Christianity and the broader biblical narrative. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria quickly became a center of Hellenistic culture and learning, renowned for its Great Library and the Lighthouse of Pharos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.Biblical Significance While Alexandria is not directly mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible, its influence and relevance are evident in the New Testament period. The city was a hub for Jewish diaspora communities, and it played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity. The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, was produced in Alexandria, making the Hebrew texts accessible to the Greek-speaking world and significantly impacting early Christian theology and scriptural interpretation. Early Christianity Alexandria was a pivotal center for early Christian thought and scholarship. It was home to one of the earliest and most influential Christian communities. The city is associated with notable early Christian figures such as Apollos, an eloquent speaker and learned man mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 18:24 states, "Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the Scriptures." The Alexandrian Church became one of the leading centers of Christian theology and education, with the Catechetical School of Alexandria being one of the most prominent institutions for theological study. This school produced influential theologians such as Clement of Alexandria and Origen, who contributed significantly to the development of Christian doctrine and biblical exegesis. Cultural and Religious Influence Alexandria's strategic location and cultural diversity made it a melting pot of religious and philosophical ideas. The city was a meeting point for Jewish, Greek, and Egyptian cultures, which influenced the development of early Christian thought. The allegorical method of biblical interpretation, which became a hallmark of Alexandrian theology, sought to harmonize Greek philosophy with Christian doctrine. The city also played a role in the early Church's struggles with heresies. The Arian controversy, which questioned the nature of Christ's divinity, had significant roots in Alexandria. Athanasius of Alexandria, a staunch defender of Trinitarian orthodoxy, was a key figure in the First Council of Nicaea, which addressed the Arian heresy. Legacy The legacy of Alexandria in the Christian tradition is profound. Its contributions to biblical scholarship, theological development, and the spread of Christianity are enduring. The city's rich intellectual and spiritual heritage continues to be studied and appreciated by scholars and believers alike. Alexandria's role as a bridge between cultures and its impact on the early Church underscore its importance in the history of Christianity. Smith's Bible Dictionary Alexandria or Alexandria(from Alexander), 3 Ma 3:1; (Acts 18:24; 6:9) the Hellenic, Roman and Christian capital of Egypt. Situation .-- (Alexandria was situated on the Mediterranean Sea directly opposite the island of Pharos, 12 miles west of the Canopic branch of the Nile and 120 miles from the present city of Cairo.) It was founded by Alexander the Great, B.C. 332, who himself traced the ground plan of the city. The work thus begun was continued after the death of Alexander by the Ptolemies. Description .-- Under the despotism of the later Ptolemies the trade of Alexandria declined, but its population and wealth were enormous. Its importance as one of the chief corn-ports of Rome secured for it the general favor of the first emperors. Its population was mixed from the first. According to Josephus Alexander himself assigned to the Jews a place in his new city. Philo estimated the number of the Alexandrine Jews in his time at a little less than 1,000,000 and adds that two of the five districts of Alexandria were called "Jewish districts," and that many Jews lived scattered in the remaining three. "For a long period Alexandria was the greatest of known cities." After Rome became the chief city of the world, Alexandria ranked second to Rome in wealth and importance, and second to Athens only in literature and science. Its collection of books grew to be the greatest library of ancient times, and contained at one time 700,000 rolls or volumes. Here was made the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament into Greek, begun about B.C. 285, especially in grain, was very great. According to the common legend, St. Mark first "preached the gospel in Egypt, and founded the first church in Alexandria." At the beginning of the second century the number of Christians at Alexandria must have been very large, and the great leaders of Gnosticism who arose there (Basilides, Valentinus) exhibit an exaggeration of the tendency of the Church. PRESENT CONDITION. The city still bears the same name and is a thriving metropolis, with inhabitants from nearly every European and Oriental nation. Cleopatra's needle, set up by Thotmes in 1500 B.C., was found in Alexandria. Greek 221. Alexandreus -- an Alexandrian ... Alexandreus Phonetic Spelling: (al-ex-and-reuce') Short Definition: an Alexandrian Definition: an Alexandrian, a native (or resident) of Alexandria in Egypt. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/221.htm - 6k 222. Alexandrinos -- Alexandrian 625. Apollos -- Apollos, an Alexandrian Jewish Christian 4223. Potioloi -- Puteoli, a city on the Bay of Naples Library The Occurrences at Alexandria. The Writings of Peter of Alexandria The Paschal Canon of Anatolius of Alexandria Clement of Alexandria Clement of Alexandria. Bishops of Alexandria. Fragment i. --Letter to the Church at Alexandria. Canons of the Church of Alexandria. The Writings of Theognostus of Alexandria Clement of Alexandria. Resources Who was Athanasius? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Coptic Christianity, and what do Coptic Christians believe? | GotQuestions.org Who was Clement of Rome? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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