Damascus | דַּמֶּשֶׂק Dammeseq (Hebrew) | Name
Etymology and Semantic Analysis The word ‘Damascus’ derives from the Hebrew ‘דַּמֶּשֶׂק’ (Dammeseq) and the Greek ‘Δαμασκός’ (Damaskos). It is primarily found in the Old Testament but is also mentioned in the New Testament. In Hebrew, Dammeseq is believed to mean “a well-watered land,” reflecting the city’s historical significance as a fertile oasis. In the […]
Caesarea | Roman Capital of Judea and Paul’s Imprisonment
Caesarea, once the Roman capital of Judea, holds a significant place in ancient history. Notably, it was here that the Apostle Paul was imprisoned for two years, a fact that underscores the city’s pivotal role during the Roman era. This coastal city, renowned for its ancient port and magnificent ruins, stands as a testament to […]
Silas, Saint | Early Christian Leader and Companion of Paul
Saint Silas, a prominent figure in the early Christian community, is best known for his association with Paul the Apostle. Although the exact dates of his birth and death are not definitively recorded in historical texts, Silas’s contributions to early Christianity are well-documented through the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles and […]
Thessaloniki | Christian Heritage and Influence
Thessaloniki, a pivotal city in Christian history, boasts a rich tapestry of religious and cultural significance. Founded in 315 BC by King Cassander of Macedon, it was named after his wife Thessalonike, a half-sister of Alexander the Great. This etymology reflects the city’s ancient roots, intertwining with its Christian narrative. Thessaloniki’s Christian legacy began in […]
Corinth | Ancient City’s Integral Role in Early Christianity
Corinth, an ancient city-state on the isthmus connecting Peloponnese to mainland Greece, boasts a rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance, particularly in the context of early Christianity. This city, flourishing in antiquity, served as a pivotal hub for commercial, social, and religious interactions, laying a vital foundation for the spread of Christianity in the […]
Barnabas, Saint Apostle
Saint Barnabas, a pivotal figure in early Christianity, was a missionary and companion of Paul. His life, spanning the first century AD, marks significant contributions to the spread of Christianity. Although exact dates of his birth and death are uncertain, his impact remains undeniably profound in Christian history. Early Life and Conversion Saint Barnabas, originally […]
Paul the Apostle
Paul the Apostle, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a pivotal figure in early Christianity, profoundly influencing its spread beyond the Jewish communities to a broader audience. Born around 5 AD and passing away approximately in 67 AD, Paul’s life and teachings significantly contributed to the development and dissemination of Christian doctrine, particularly among […]
Lydia, Saint | The Christian Convert
Lydia, a figure prominently featured in the New Testament, was a seller of purple cloth in Philippi, an ancient Greek city. Her life, though scant in detail, provides a significant example of early Christian conversion and the role of women in the nascent church. Lydia’s story is mainly recounted in the Acts of the Apostles […]
Publius | The Biblical Figure of Hospitality in Malta
Publius, a prominent figure in the biblical narrative of Acts, played a crucial role during the Apostle Paul’s shipwreck on Malta. Publius’ legacy as the chief official of Malta is well-documented in the Christian scriptures, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles. His act of hospitality towards Paul and his companions marks a significant episode […]
Tertullus | Biblical Lawyer in Apostle Paul’s Trial
Tertullus, a significant figure in early Christian history, is best known as the lawyer who accused Apostle Paul during his trial before Felix, as described in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 24:1-9). While specific dates of his birth and death remain undocumented, his appearance in the New Testament situates him in the 1st century […]