Topical Encyclopedia A portico, in biblical terms, refers to a covered entrance or a colonnade attached to a building, often serving as a place of gathering or teaching. In the context of the Bible, porticos are significant architectural features that appear in several key locations, particularly in the Temple of Jerusalem.Solomon's Portico One of the most notable mentions of a portico in the Bible is Solomon's Portico, also known as Solomon's Colonnade. This structure was part of the Temple complex in Jerusalem and is frequently mentioned in the New Testament. It served as a gathering place for early Christians and a site for teaching and miracles. In the Book of Acts, it is recorded: "By the hands of the apostles, many signs and wonders were done among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade" (Acts 5:12). This portico provided a sheltered area where the apostles could preach and perform miracles, drawing the attention of both believers and skeptics. The Role of Porticos in Worship and Teaching Porticos in ancient Israelite architecture were not merely decorative but served practical and religious functions. They provided shelter from the elements, allowing for year-round gatherings. In the Gospels, Jesus is depicted teaching in the Temple courts, which likely included areas such as Solomon's Portico. John 10:23 notes, "And Jesus was walking in the temple courts in Solomon’s Colonnade" . This setting underscores the portico's role as a place of instruction and dialogue, where religious leaders and laypeople could engage in discussions about the Scriptures and the teachings of Jesus. Architectural Significance The design of porticos typically included rows of columns supporting a roof, creating an open yet covered space. This architectural style was common in ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman buildings, reflecting a blend of cultural influences. The use of porticos in the Temple complex highlights the importance of these structures in facilitating communal and religious life. Symbolism and Legacy In a broader symbolic sense, porticos can be seen as transitional spaces, bridging the sacred and the secular. They invite individuals to enter into a deeper understanding of faith while providing a physical space for community and worship. The legacy of porticos, particularly Solomon's Portico, continues to be a point of interest for biblical scholars and archaeologists, as they explore the historical and spiritual significance of these structures in the life of ancient Israel and the early Christian church. In summary, porticos in the Bible are more than architectural features; they are integral to the religious and communal life of the people, serving as places of teaching, gathering, and divine encounter. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A colonnade or covered ambulatory, especially in classical styles of architecture; usually, a colonnade at the entrance of a building.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PORCH, PORTICO, SOLOMON'Spor'-ti-ko, (he stoa he kaloumene Solomontos): This important element of Herod's temple, preserving in its name a traditional connection with Solomon, is thrice referred to in the New Testament, namely, in John 10:23 Acts 3:11, "the porch that is called Solomon's"; and Acts 5:12. In these passages the Greek word stoa is translated "porch" but in the Revised Version margin of Acts 3:11 more correctly "portico". In architecture a "porch" is strictly an exterior structure forming a covered approach to the entrance of a building; a "portico" is an ambulatory, consisting of a roof supported by columns placed at regular intervals-a roofed colonnade. The portico bearing Solomon's name was that running along the eastern wall in the Court of the Gentiles of Herod's temple. It had double columns, while that on the South known as the Royal Portico had four rows (compare Josephus, Ant, XV, xi, 3; BJ, V, v, and see TEMPLE, HEROD'S). The portico was the scene of Christ's teaching at the Feast of the Dedication (John 10:23), and was flocked to by the multitude after the healing of the lame man (Acts 3:11). There the apostles preached and wrought other miracles (Acts 5:12). Greek 4745. stoa -- a portico ... a portico. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: stoa Phonetic Spelling: (sto-ah') Short Definition: a colonnade, portico Definition: a colonnade ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4745.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4329. mesak -- portico... mesak. 4330 . portico. Transliteration: mesak Phonetic Spelling: (may-sawk') Short Definition: portico. ... portico From cakak; a portico (as covered) -- covert. ... /hebrew/4329.htm - 5k 361. elam -- a porch 4528. misderon -- a porch, colonnade Library Machinations of the Enemies of Jesus. Letter xv. --To Adelphius the Lawyer . The Sethians Support their Doctrines by an Allegorical ... The Fulfilment Acts III Letter iii. --To Ablabius . How Herod Twice Sailed to Agrippa; and How Upon the Complaint in ... What was Heard in the Basilica of Peace Acts V Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness. Thesaurus Portico (37 Occurrences)... PORCH, PORTICO, SOLOMON'S. ... In these passages the Greek word stoa is translated "porch" but in the Revised Version margin of Acts 3:11 more correctly "portico". ... /p/portico.htm - 19k Porch (37 Occurrences) Solomon's (56 Occurrences) Parbar (1 Occurrence) Samson (37 Occurrences) Porters (34 Occurrences) Marvels (21 Occurrences) Porticoes (1 Occurrence) Clung (7 Occurrences) Crowding (9 Occurrences) Resources What was Solomon's Porch? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are Jachin and Boaz? | GotQuestions.org What was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.org Portico: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Portico (37 Occurrences)John 10:23 Acts 3:11 Acts 5:12 1 Kings 7:6 1 Kings 7:12 1 Kings 7:19 1 Kings 7:21 1 Chronicles 26:18 1 Chronicles 28:11 2 Chronicles 8:12 2 Chronicles 15:8 2 Chronicles 29:7 2 Chronicles 29:17 Ezekiel 8:16 Ezekiel 40:7 Ezekiel 40:8 Ezekiel 40:9 Ezekiel 40:14 Ezekiel 40:15 Ezekiel 40:16 Ezekiel 40:21 Ezekiel 40:22 Ezekiel 40:24 Ezekiel 40:25 Ezekiel 40:26 Ezekiel 40:29 Ezekiel 40:33 Ezekiel 40:36 Ezekiel 40:38 Ezekiel 40:40 Ezekiel 40:48 Ezekiel 41:15 Ezekiel 41:25 Ezekiel 41:26 Ezekiel 44:3 Ezekiel 46:2 Ezekiel 46:8 Subtopics Related Terms |