Sebastus is a term that appears in the context of ancient geography and history, particularly in relation to the city of Samaria during the Roman period. The name "Sebastus" is the Greek equivalent of the Latin "Augustus," a title used to honor the Roman Emperor. This name was given to the city of Samaria when it was rebuilt and expanded by Herod the Great in honor of Emperor Augustus.

Historical Background

The city of Samaria, located in the central region of ancient Israel, has a rich history that dates back to the time of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It was originally established by King Omri and served as the capital of the Northern Kingdom (1 Kings 16:24). Over the centuries, Samaria experienced various periods of destruction and rebuilding.

During the Roman period, Herod the Great, known for his extensive building projects throughout Judea, undertook the reconstruction of Samaria. In gratitude and allegiance to the Roman Empire, Herod renamed the city "Sebaste" (Sebastus in Greek) in honor of Augustus Caesar. This act was part of Herod's broader strategy to gain favor with the Roman authorities and secure his position as a client king under Roman rule.

Biblical References

While the specific name "Sebastus" does not appear in the canonical texts of the Bible, the city of Samaria is frequently mentioned. The New Testament references Samaria in the context of Jesus' ministry and the early Christian church. For example, in the Gospel of John, Jesus travels through Samaria and speaks with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-42). This encounter highlights the cultural and religious tensions between Jews and Samaritans, as well as Jesus' message of salvation extending beyond traditional Jewish boundaries.

In the Book of Acts, Samaria plays a significant role in the spread of the Gospel. After the persecution of the church in Jerusalem, believers scattered, and Philip the Evangelist preached in Samaria, leading to many conversions (Acts 8:4-8). This event marks a pivotal moment in the early church's mission to reach all peoples, including those in Samaria.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological excavations at the site of ancient Samaria, now known as Sebastia, have uncovered significant remains from various periods, including the Roman era. These findings include remnants of Herod's construction projects, such as a temple dedicated to Augustus, a forum, and other public buildings. The archaeological evidence provides valuable insights into the city's transformation under Roman influence and its role as a center of political and cultural activity.

Theological Significance

The transformation of Samaria into Sebastus underlines the complex interplay between Jewish identity and Roman authority during the time of Jesus and the early church. The renaming of the city reflects the broader context of Roman imperialism and the challenges faced by Jewish and early Christian communities in maintaining their distinct religious and cultural identities.

The New Testament narratives involving Samaria emphasize themes of reconciliation, inclusion, and the breaking down of barriers between different ethnic and religious groups. Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman and the subsequent spread of the Gospel in Samaria illustrate the fulfillment of God's promise to extend His covenant blessings to all nations, transcending historical enmities and divisions.

In summary, while Sebastus itself is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its historical and archaeological context enriches our understanding of the biblical narrative and the socio-political landscape of the time. The city's transformation under Herod the Great and its role in the early Christian mission highlight the dynamic relationship between the Jewish people, the Roman Empire, and the emerging Christian faith.

Antipater's Navigation from Rome to his Father; and How He was ...
... He was persuaded by these last, and sailed on, and landed at the haven called Sebastus,
which Herod had built at vast expenses in honor of Caesar, and called ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 antipaters navigation from.htm

Fragment xvii. On the Fortunes of Hyrcanus and Antigonus, and on ...
... 1. Octavius Sebastus, or, as the Romans call him, Augustus, the adopted son of Caius,
on returning to Rome from Apollonias in Epirus, where he was educated ...
/.../africanus/the writings of julius africanus/fragment xvii on the fortunes.htm

Of the [Temple And] Cities that were Built by Herod and Erected ...
... temple to Caesar, and had laid round about it a portion of sacred land of three
furlongs and a half, he called the city Sebaste, from Sebastus, or Augustus ...
/.../chapter 21 of the temple.htm

Alexandra Reigns Nine Years, During which Time the Pharisees were ...
... when Antony was [lord of the East], just as the other cities, Sebaste and Agrippias,
had their names changed, and these given them from Sebastus and Agrippa. ...
/.../chapter 5 alexandra reigns nine.htm

Antipater is Convicted by Bathyllus; but He Still Returns from ...
... hurried him on [to his destruction]. So he passed over the sea, and landed
at Sebastus, the haven of Cesarea. 4. And here he found ...
/.../chapter 31 antipater is convicted.htm

Sebastus (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sebastus (3 Occurrences). Acts 25:21 but Paul
having appealed to be kept to the hearing of Sebastus, I ...
/s/sebastus.htm - 7k

Sebam (1 Occurrence)

/s/sebam.htm - 7k

Delivering (35 Occurrences)
... sailing to Italy was determined, they were delivering up both Paul and certain others,
prisoners, to a centurion, by name Julius, of the band of Sebastus, (YLT ...
/d/delivering.htm - 16k

Sebat (1 Occurrence)

/s/sebat.htm - 7k

Sailing (23 Occurrences)
... sailing to Italy was determined, they were delivering up both Paul and certain others,
prisoners, to a centurion, by name Julius, of the band of Sebastus, (YLT ...
/s/sailing.htm - 13k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus