Cretans are the inhabitants of the island of Crete, located in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete holds a significant place in biblical history and is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. The island is known for its ancient civilization, the Minoans, and its strategic location, which made it a hub for trade and cultural exchange in the ancient world.

Biblical References:

1. Acts 2:11 · Cretans are mentioned in the context of the Day of Pentecost. Jews and converts to Judaism from Crete were present in Jerusalem and heard the apostles speaking in their own languages. The verse states, "both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" . This highlights the diverse audience that witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the universality of the Gospel message.

2. Titus 1:12 · The Apostle Paul references Cretans in his letter to Titus, who was overseeing the churches in Crete. Paul quotes a Cretan prophet, saying, "One of their own prophets has said, 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.'" . This quote, attributed to Epimenides, reflects the negative stereotype of Cretans in the ancient world. Paul uses this cultural perception to emphasize the need for sound doctrine and moral integrity among the believers in Crete.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Crete was known in antiquity for its complex society and advanced culture, which included the development of writing systems and impressive architectural achievements. However, by the time of the New Testament, Crete had a reputation for moral laxity and deceit, as reflected in the writings of both Greek and Roman authors.

The island's strategic location made it a melting pot of various cultures and beliefs, which may have contributed to the challenges faced by the early Christian community there. The presence of Cretans at Pentecost suggests that the Gospel reached the island early in the Christian era, and the establishment of churches in Crete is evidenced by Paul's letter to Titus.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Cretans in the New Testament underscores the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Despite their negative reputation, Cretans were among those who heard the message of Christ and were part of the early church. Paul's instructions to Titus highlight the transformative power of the Gospel to change lives and communities, regardless of cultural background.

The reference to Cretans also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by early Christians in maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity in a diverse and often hostile cultural environment. The call to uphold truth and righteousness is a timeless message for believers, emphasizing the importance of living out the Gospel in every aspect of life.2912. Kres -- a Cretan
... Word Origin from Krete Definition a Cretan NASB Word Usage Cretans (2). Crete, Cretian.
From Krete; a Cretan, ie Inhabitant of Crete -- Crete, Cretian. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2912.htm - 6k

He Next Says of Us, that "We Ridicule those who Worship Jupiter...
... out in the island of Crete; and yet we worship him who rose from the tomb, [3566]
although ignorant of the grounds [3567] on which the Cretans observe such a ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xliii he next says.htm

Titus i. 14-Dec
... It is this. The Cretans have a tomb of Jupiter, with this inscription. ... The poet said
that the Cretans were liars for saying that Jupiter was dead. ...
/.../homily iii titus i 14-dec.htm

The Emperor Theodosius by Salaminius Hermias Sozomen, and Proposal ...
... Thou showest greater personal favor toward the speakers than the ancient Cretans
did toward the much-sung Homer; or the Alevad?? did to Simonides; or Dionysius ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/address to the emperor theodosius.htm

The Christians are Hated Unjustly.
... The tomb of Olympian Zeus is shown among you, [495] though some one says that the
Cretans are liars. [496] Your assembly of many gods is nothing. ...
/.../tatian/tatians address to the greeks/chapter xxvii the christians are hated.htm

Succession of Philosophers in Greece.
... as a Greek prophet, whom he mentions in the Epistle to Titus, where he speaks thus:
"One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, The Cretans are always ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiv succession of philosophers in.htm

Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ...
... If any one is in doubt about the prophets of the Gentiles, let him hear what Paul
says when writing of the Cretans to Titus: "A prophet of their own has said ...
/.../faustus is willing to admit.htm

The Epistle to Titus
... Probably the island was evangelized soon after the first Pentecost by those
Cretans that were converted at Jerusalem, Acts 2:11. ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the epistle to titus.htm

Paul Before his Conversion.
... phtheirousin ethe chresta homiliai kakai. "Evil associations corrupt good manners.".
[351] Tit. 1:12. Kretes aei pseustai, kaka theria, gasteres argai. "Cretans ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 30 paul before his.htm

Pastoral and Personal
... Special moral and spiritual fitness is set forth as necessary in view of the peculiar
character of the Cretans and certain forms of doctrinal error. ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study x pastoral and personal.htm

Greek-Amerikan-Christian-Association
... nearly a billion drachmas national debt, hanging upon the neck of every Greek, like
the Damoclean sword, but there is no deliverance for the Cretans, and there ...
/.../chapter x greek-amerikan-christian-association.htm

Cretans (3 Occurrences)
...Cretans (3 Occurrences). ... Others are visitors from Rome--being either Jews or converts
from heathenism--and others are Cretans or Arabians. (WEY). ...
/c/cretans.htm - 7k

Crete (7 Occurrences)
... The character of the people is described in Paul's quotation from "one of their
own poets" (Epimenides) in his epistle to Titus: "The Cretans are alway liars ...
/c/crete.htm - 19k

Converts (9 Occurrences)
... Cyrene. Others are visitors from Rome--being either Jews or converts from
heathenism--and others are Cretans or Arabians. (WEY). ...
/c/converts.htm - 8k

Arabians (8 Occurrences)
... Cyrene. Others are visitors from Rome--being either Jews or converts from
heathenism--and others are Cretans or Arabians. (WEY). ...
/a/arabians.htm - 9k

Crest (2 Occurrences)

/c/crest.htm - 8k

Philistines (224 Occurrences)
... The Septuagint renders the word with Kretes or Kretoi; and, about 1770 AD, Michaelis
(Spicil., I, 292-308) argued that this meant "Cretans," and that the ...
/p/philistines.htm - 75k

Judaism (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Judaism (5 Occurrences). Acts 2:11 Cretans and Arabians:
we hear them speaking in our languages the mighty works of God!" (See NIV). ...
/j/judaism.htm - 8k

Lazy (10 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Titus 1:12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, has said, Cretans
are always liars, evil wild beasts, lazy gluttons. (DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/lazy.htm - 9k

Liars (14 Occurrences)
... Titus 1:12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars,
evil beasts, and idle gluttons." (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/liars.htm - 10k

Gluttons (3 Occurrences)
... Titus 1:12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars,
evil beasts, and idle gluttons." (WEB WEY ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/gluttons.htm - 7k

What does it mean that all Cretans are liars? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Epimenides Paradox? | GotQuestions.org

What is social ethics? | GotQuestions.org

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