Jump to: Topical • Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Geographical Context:Italy, a prominent peninsula in Southern Europe, is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and characterized by its boot-like shape. In biblical times, Italy was part of the Roman Empire, which played a significant role in the spread of Christianity. The region's capital, Rome, was a central hub for early Christian activity and the backdrop for several New Testament events. Biblical References: Italy is directly mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the context of the Apostle Paul's journeys. In Acts 18:2 , we read about Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. This expulsion highlights the tensions between the Jewish community and Roman authorities, which indirectly facilitated the spread of Christianity as believers dispersed. Another reference is found in Acts 27:1 , where Paul, as a prisoner, is sent to Italy: "When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment." This journey to Italy, culminating in Paul's arrival in Rome, is significant for the establishment of the Christian church in the heart of the Roman Empire. Historical and Cultural Significance: During the first century A.D., Italy was the epicenter of the Roman Empire, which exerted considerable influence over the Mediterranean world. The Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability, facilitated the spread of the Gospel by providing a network of roads and a common language (Greek and Latin) that enabled easier travel and communication. Rome, as the capital, was a melting pot of cultures and ideas, making it fertile ground for the early Christian message. The Apostle Paul's epistle to the Romans is a foundational theological document that addresses both Jewish and Gentile believers, emphasizing the universality of the Gospel. Romans 1:7 states, "To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Theological Implications: Italy's role in the New Testament narrative underscores the providential spread of Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries to the Gentile world. The presence of a Christian community in Rome, as evidenced by Paul's letter, indicates the early and rapid growth of the church in this influential city. The Roman church became a model for other Christian communities, grappling with issues of faith, law, and grace. Paul's eventual martyrdom in Rome, as suggested by early Christian tradition, further solidified Italy's place in Christian history. His unwavering commitment to preaching the Gospel, even in the face of persecution, serves as an enduring testament to the power of faith and the transformative impact of the Christian message. Legacy: Italy's historical and spiritual legacy is profound, as it became the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, which has played a pivotal role in the development of Western Christianity. The early church's establishment in Rome laid the groundwork for centuries of theological development, missionary activity, and cultural influence that continue to shape the Christian world today. Topical Bible Verses Acts 18:2And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came to them. Topicalbible.org Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Italyabounding with calves or heifers Smith's Bible Dictionary ItalyThis word is used in the New Testament, (Acts 18:2; 27:1; Hebrews 13:24) in the usual sense of the period, i.e. in its true geographical sense, as denoting the whole natural peninsula between the Alps and the Straits of Messina. ATS Bible Dictionary ItalyNot mentioned in the Old Testament, unless under general terms, as Chittim, Isles of the sea. In the New Testament, Acts 18:2 27:1,6 Hebrews 13:24, it is chiefly of interest on account of ROME, ROMANS, which see. The Italian band, mentioned in Acts 10:1, was probably a Roman cohort from Italy, stationed at Cesarea; so called to distinguish it from the other troops, which were drawn from Syria and the adjacent regions. Easton's Bible Dictionary Acts 18:2; 27:1, 6; Hebrews 13:24 ), like most geographical names, was differently used at different periods of history. As the power of Rome advanced, nations were successively conquered and added to it till it came to designate the whole country to the south of the Alps. There was constant intercourse between Palestine and Italy in the time of the Romans. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ITALYit'-a-li (Italia): At first confined as a name to the extreme southern part of the Italian peninsula in the region now called Calabria, whence its application was gradually extended. In Greek usage of the 5th century B.C., the name was applied to the coasts as far as Metapontum and Posidonia, being synonymous with Oenotria. The Oenotrians are represented as having assumed the name of Italians (Itali) from a legendary ruler Italus (Dionysius, i.12, 35; Vergil, Aen. i.533). The extension of Roman authority seems to have given this name an ever-widening application, since it was used to designate their allies generally. As early as the time of Polybius the name Italy was sometimes employed as an appellation for all the country between the two seas (Tyrrhenian and Adriatic) and from the foot of the Alps to the Sicilian Straits (Polyb. i0.6; ii0.14; iii.39, 54), although Cisalpine Gaul was not placed on a footing of complete equality with the peninsula as regards administration until shortly after the death of Julius Caesar. From the time of Augustus the term was used in practically its modern sense (Nissen, Italische Landeskunde, I, 57-87). Greek 2482. Italia -- Italy, a region of western Europe ... Italy, a region of western Europe. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Italia Phonetic Spelling: (ee-tal-ee'-ah) Short Definition: Italy Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2482.htm - 6k 4484. Rhegion -- Rhegium, a city in southern Italy 4516. Rhome -- Rome, the capital of Italy and the Rom. Empire ... 99. Adrias -- the Adriatic, the name of a sea 4223. Potioloi -- Puteoli, a city on the Bay of Naples Library Letter vii. To the Bishops Throughout Italy. Creed of the Free Christian Church in Italy. Letter ccxliii. To the Bishops of Italy and Gaul Concerning the ... Epistle xvii. To all the Bishops of Italy. Epistle ix. To Callinicus, Exarch of Italy . How Herod Sailed Out of Italy to Judea, and Fought with Antigonus ... That ??neas came into Italy when Abdon the Judge Ruled Over the ... Italy. The Trinity Adored. Birth of Honorius. Theodosius Leaves Arcadius at Constantinople ... The Adventures of Saint Anthony of Italy. Thesaurus Italy (4 Occurrences)... There was constant intercourse between Palestine and Italy in the time of the Romans. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ITALY. ... /i/italy.htm - 10k Italian (1 Occurrence) Italic (1 Occurrence) Province (66 Occurrences) Julius (5 Occurrences) Lately (6 Occurrences) Rhegium (1 Occurrence) Elishah (3 Occurrences) Phoenix (2 Occurrences) Chicken Resources Who was Catherine of Siena? | GotQuestions.orgWho were Priscilla and Aquila? | GotQuestions.org Who was Saint Francis of Assisi? | GotQuestions.org Italy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Italy (4 Occurrences)Acts 18:2 Acts 27:1 Acts 27:6 Hebrews 13:24 Subtopics Italy: Aquila and Priscilla Expelled From Italy: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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