Lexical Summary Rhodos: Rhodes Original Word: Ῥόδος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Rhodes. Probably from rhodon (a rose); Rhodus, an island of the Mediterranean -- Rhodes. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from the same as Rhodé Definition Rhodes, an island in the Mediterranean NASB Translation Rhodes (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4499: ῬόδοςῬόδος, ῤόδου, ἡ, Rhodes ((cf. Pape, Eigennamen, under the word)), a well-known island of the Cyclades opposite Caria and Lycia, with a capital of the same name: Acts 21:1. ((From Homer down); 1 Macc. 15:23.) Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese, situated at the junction of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, roughly eighteen kilometers off the coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Türkiye). Its strategic position places it on the primary sea-lanes that linked the ports of Syria and Palestine with Greece and Rome. The island is mountainous in the interior, ringed with natural harbors, and enjoys a climate that favored vineyards, olive groves, and the legendary profusion of roses from which many believe it drew its name. Historical Background Founded by Dorian Greeks around the twelfth century B.C., Rhodes grew into a powerful maritime republic. In 408 B.C. the three chief cities—Lindos, Ialyssos, and Kamiros—united to establish the new capital, Rhodes City, on the northern tip of the island. Its navy gained fame for checking piracy and protecting commerce, making Rhodes an indispensable partner for larger powers. The island’s prosperity was symbolized by the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the ancient “Seven Wonders,” erected circa 280 B.C. After a series of diplomatic realignments, Rhodes was bequeathed to Rome in 43 B.C., entering the first century A.D. as a free city under Roman suzerainty with considerable local autonomy, its own mint, and favored trading status. Commercial and Nautical Importance First-century mariners regarded Rhodes as a principal way-station when sailing north or west from the Levant. Seasonal winds (the Etesians) commonly drove vessels along a route that hugged the southern Anatolian coast to Cos, Rhodes, and Patara—exactly the path Luke records in Acts 21:1. The island’s protected harbors allowed ships to reprovision, exchange cargo, and await favorable winds. Its merchants exported wine, marble, and textile dyes, while importing grains from Egypt and Syria. Biblical Context and Usage Rhodes receives one explicit mention in Scripture: “After we had torn ourselves away from them, we set sail straight to Cos, the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.” (Acts 21:1) Luke’s first-person narrative places Rhodes on Paul’s homeward trip at the conclusion of the third missionary journey. Coming from a moving vessel rather than an extended stay, the stop likely lasted no more than twenty-four hours. Though brief, its inclusion attests to Luke’s historical precision and corroborates known maritime routes of the era. Significance in the Apostolic Mission 1. Proof of Careful Providential Guiding: Paul’s itinerary demonstrates that even transient ports facilitated his larger mandate to “testify to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24). Every harbor, however short the visit, marked another step in God’s unfolding plan to bring the apostle to Jerusalem and, ultimately, Rome. Early Christian Witness on Rhodes While Acts records no direct evangelistic activity on the island, patristic hints suggest that Christian presence emerged by the late first or early second century. Proximity to Asia Minor’s thriving churches (Revelation 2–3) and the constant movement of sailors created natural channels for the faith to spread. By the fourth century Rhodes possessed an established episcopal see, attested by lists of Council participants. Later Christian History Rhodes gained renewed prominence in the medieval era when the Knights Hospitaller fortified the island (1309–1522), turning it into a bastion against Islamic expansion. Their motto, “Defensores Fidei,” reflects a continued association of Rhodes with the safeguarding of Christian witness throughout turbulent centuries. Lessons for Ministry Today • Strategic Stepping-Stones: God often uses seemingly incidental stops—ports, airports, rest areas—as arenas for divine appointments. Summary Rhodes (Strong’s Greek 4499) stands as more than a geographical footnote. Its lone biblical mention weaves the island into salvation history, showcasing the intersection of commerce, politics, and divine purpose. From its ancient naval might to its role on Paul’s voyage and its later medieval fortifications, Rhodes exemplifies how God orders times and boundaries (Acts 17:26) to advance His redemptive plan through the faithful movement of His servants. Forms and Transliterations Ροδον Ῥόδον ροιζούντος Rhodon Rhódon RodonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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