Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "quaternion" refers to a group of four soldiers. This term is specifically used in the New Testament to describe the Roman military practice of assigning groups of four soldiers to guard prisoners. The concept of a quaternion is mentioned in the Book of Acts, providing insight into the Roman military and judicial procedures during the time of the early Church.Biblical Reference: The primary reference to a quaternion in the Bible is found in Acts 12:4. The passage describes the Apostle Peter's imprisonment by King Herod Agrippa I. The verse states: "When he had seized him, he put him in prison, handing him over to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover" (Acts 12:4). Here, the "four squads of four soldiers each" refers to the quaternions assigned to ensure Peter's secure detention. Historical and Cultural Context: In Roman military practice, a quaternion was a standard unit of four soldiers. This arrangement was part of a larger system of military organization that allowed for efficient and effective control over prisoners, especially those considered high-risk or politically sensitive. The use of quaternions ensured that prisoners were under constant surveillance, with shifts of soldiers rotating to maintain vigilance. The deployment of quaternions in guarding Peter highlights the seriousness with which Herod viewed the situation. Peter, as a leading figure in the early Christian movement, posed a significant threat to the established order, and his escape or rescue could have had substantial repercussions. Therefore, the use of quaternions underscores the Roman authorities' intent to prevent any such occurrence. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the account of Peter's imprisonment and the use of quaternions serves to illustrate the power of divine intervention. Despite the formidable security measures, Peter's miraculous escape from prison, as narrated in Acts 12:6-11, demonstrates God's sovereignty and ability to deliver His servants from seemingly insurmountable circumstances. The presence of quaternions, while emphasizing the human efforts to thwart God's plans, ultimately highlights the futility of opposing divine will. Symbolism and Interpretation: In a broader symbolic sense, the quaternion can be seen as representing the worldly powers and authorities that often stand in opposition to the spread of the Gospel. The early Church faced numerous challenges and persecutions, yet the narrative of Peter's escape serves as a testament to the triumph of faith and the unstoppable nature of God's mission. The quaternion, therefore, becomes a symbol of the obstacles that believers may encounter, but also of the assurance that God is able to overcome any barrier. In summary, the mention of a quaternion in the Book of Acts provides valuable insight into the historical and cultural context of the early Church, while also offering rich theological and symbolic meaning. The account of Peter's imprisonment and subsequent escape serves as a powerful reminder of God's providence and the ultimate victory of His purposes. Smith's Bible Dictionary Quaterniona military term signifying a guard of four soldiers, two of whom were attached to the person of a prisoner, while the other two kept watch outside the door of his cell. (Acts 12:4) Easton's Bible Dictionary A band of four soldiers. Peter was committed by Herod to the custody of four quaternions, i.e., one quaternion for each watch of the night (Acts 12:4). Thus every precaution was taken against his escape from prison. Two of each quaternion were in turn stationed at the door (12:6), and to two the apostle was chained according to Roman custom. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The number four.2. (n.) A set of four parts, things, or person; four things taken collectively; a group of four words, phrases, circumstances, facts, or the like. 3. (n.) A word of four syllables; a quadrisyllable. 4. (n.) The quotient of two vectors, or of two directed right lines in space, considered as depending on four geometrical elements, and as expressible by an algebraic symbol of quadrinomial form. 5. (v. t.) To divide into quaternions, files, or companies. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia QUATERNIONkwa-tur'-ni-un (tetradion): The name given to a company of four soldiers of Herod's army (Acts 12:4). To four such companies Peter had been handed over, who would take their turn of acting as guard over the prisoner, each of the four watches of the night according to Roman reckoning, which Herod Agrippa I would follow. In the castle of Antonia Peter was thus closely secured, in order that Herod, who had already killed James, the brother of John, with the sword (Acts 12:2), might, after the solemnities of the Passover, make sure of his death likewise. On the night before his intended execution he was sleeping in his cell between two soldiers, "bound with two chains," his left hand chained to one and his right to the other. The other two soldiers of the quaternion mounted guard before the door, and are spoken of as "the first and the second guard" (Acts 12:10) whom Peter and his angel guide had to pass on the way to liberty. The Greek word thus rendered is not found in the Septuagint or anywhere else in the New Testament. Greek 5069. tetradion -- a group of four, a quaternion (a guard of four ... ... a group of four, a quaternion (a guard of four soldiers). Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: tetradion Phonetic Spelling: (tet-rad'-ee-on) Short ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5069.htm - 6k Library The Quaternion Exhibits "Truth. " The Reason of the Order of the Sons of Leah. On the Creation of the World Pythagoras' System of Numbers. The Martyrdom The vision The Groups Round the Cross of the Woman driven into the Wilderness. On Marriage. The Crucifixion. Thesaurus Quaternion... Peter was committed by Herod to the custody of four quaternions, ie, one quaternion for each watch of the night (Acts 12:4). Thus every precaution was taken ... /q/quaternion.htm - 8k Quaternions (1 Occurrence) Quartus (1 Occurrence) Resources Quaternion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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