Topical Encyclopedia
Caesarea in the New TestamentCaesarea, a significant city in ancient Palestine, served as a prominent location for early Christian activity and is frequently mentioned in the New Testament. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Caesarea was the Roman administrative capital of Judea and a hub of political and cultural exchange. The city played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity during the apostolic era.
Philip the EvangelistOne of the earliest mentions of a Christian presence in Caesarea is associated with Philip the Evangelist. After preaching in various cities, Philip settled in Caesarea.
Acts 8:40 states, "But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through, he preached the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea." Philip's residence in Caesarea is further confirmed in
Acts 21:8-9 , which notes, "On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven, and stayed with him. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied."
Cornelius the CenturionCaesarea is also notable for the conversion of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, marking a pivotal moment in the early Church's outreach to Gentiles. Cornelius is described as "a devout man and one who feared God with all his household" (
Acts 10:2). His vision and subsequent encounter with the Apostle Peter, who was summoned to Caesarea, led to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and his household, as recorded in
Acts 10:44-48 . This event underscored the inclusivity of the Gospel message and the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
Paul's Visits and ImprisonmentThe Apostle Paul visited Caesarea multiple times during his missionary journeys.
Acts 9:30 mentions that after his conversion, "the brothers took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus." Later, Paul returned to Caesarea, where he was warmly received by the local believers.
Acts 18:22 records, "When he landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch."
Caesarea also served as the location of Paul's imprisonment before his transfer to Rome. Following his arrest in Jerusalem, Paul was taken to Caesarea to stand trial before Governor Felix.
Acts 23:23-24 details the transfer: "Then he called two of his centurions and said, 'Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night. Provide mounts for Paul to ride, and take him safely to Governor Felix.'" Paul remained in custody in Caesarea for two years, as noted in
Acts 24:27 .
The Church in CaesareaThe Christian community in Caesarea was evidently well-established and active. The presence of notable figures such as Philip the Evangelist and Cornelius, along with the frequent visits by Paul, suggest a vibrant congregation. The church in Caesarea played a significant role in the early expansion of Christianity, serving as a bridge between Jewish and Gentile believers and as a strategic location for the dissemination of the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire.
Nave's Topical Index
Acts 18:22And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Constitution of the Church in the Second Century.
... When several congregations with a plurality of preaching elders existed ... then goes
on to give a list of others ... But the history of the Church of Caesarea affords ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the constitution of.htm
The New Testament Canon in the First Three Centuries.
... The canonical list was not fixed immovably in the time ... The idea of the church was
that of inward fellowship ... in the first instance, to the congregations to whom ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter vi the new testament.htm
Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... of the Church, the number of Christians increased so ... to affect the bulk of the Church
elsewhere, the ... and Origen, and later under Origen at Caesarea in Palestine ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm
Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... in his persecution of the Christians, seems likewise ... most important series of events
in Church history, the ... creed presented by Eusebius of Caesarea, the Church ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm
Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... After giving a list of creeds put forth by various ... Lord with the covetous within
the Church and with ... of Easter, but also daily among our congregations; so that ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm
Christianity in Rome.
... [496] Several names in the list of Roman ... It no doubt was, like most congregations
outside of Palestine, of a mixed ... Creed, in the form held by the church of Rome ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 36 christianity in rome.htm
The Earlier New Testament Writings.
... in their councils, teaching in their congregations, can make ... The long list of personal
greetings with which ... poor Christians of the mother church; at Jerusalem ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter viii the earlier new.htm
Resources
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