Lexical Summary Spania: Spain Original Word: Σπανία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Spain. Probably of foreign origin; Spania, a region of Europe -- Spain. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition Spain, a peninsula of S.W. Europe NASB Translation Spain (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4681: ΣπανίαΣπανία, Σπανίας, ἡ, Spain, in the apostolic age the whole peninsula south of the Pyrenees: Romans 15:24, 28. ((Winer's Grammar, 25); the more common Greek form is Ἰσπανια, 1 Macc. 8:3 (apparently the Phoenician or Latin name for Ἰβηρια; cf. Pape, Eigennamen, under the words).) Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting In the first century the term “Spain” denoted the Roman provinces that occupied nearly the entire Iberian Peninsula—Hispania Citerior and Hispania Ulterior—bounded by the Pyrenees, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea. Spain enjoyed well-developed Roman roads, prosperous ports such as Tarraco and Gades, and a sizable Jewish diaspora, all of which would have facilitated apostolic travel and the spread of the gospel. Biblical Occurrences Spain is mentioned only twice in the New Testament, both in the closing section of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans: Paul's Missionary Vision Paul’s stated aim to reach Spain flows out of his resolve “to preach the gospel where Christ was not known” (Romans 15:20). Spain represented the western limit of the civilized Roman world, making it a fitting embodiment of the gospel’s advance “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). His plan also shows his characteristic strategy: evangelize key urban centers connected by Roman infrastructure in order to plant self-reproducing churches. Historical Traditions of Paul’s Journey Scripture does not record whether Paul actually arrived in Spain. Nonetheless, early Christian writers offer suggestive testimony: While these sources are not conclusive, they reflect a widespread conviction in the early church that Paul fulfilled his intention. Strategic Importance for the Early Church 1. Gateway to the Atlantic world: Roman Spain contained maritime routes extending toward Gaul, Britain, and North Africa, making it a springboard for broader evangelistic efforts. Prophetic Echoes and Old Testament Background Several Old Testament passages anticipate far-flung nations responding to Israel’s God. Interpreters since antiquity have linked “Tarshish” (Isaiah 66:19; Psalm 72:10) with the western Mediterranean, possibly Spain. Paul’s desire to evangelize Spain can thus be seen as a concrete outworking of the prophetic promise that the Gentiles would hope in the Messiah. Theological and Missional Lessons • Gospel Universality: Spain epitomizes the inclusivity of Christ’s saving work, extending beyond Judea and Asia Minor to the distant west. Later Christian Heritage in Spain By the second and third centuries, flourishing churches existed in Mérida, Tarragona, and elsewhere, producing martyrs such as the seven missionary bishops under Emperor Decius. Whether or not Paul personally sowed the earliest seeds, his vision for Spain undoubtedly inspired subsequent generations to plant the church there, eventually shaping the nation that would later send missionaries to the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Summary Though mentioned only twice, Spain occupies a pivotal place in the New Testament’s missionary horizon. Paul’s resolve to reach its shores illustrates the forward-pressing character of apostolic ministry, fulfills prophetic expectations of global salvation, and provides enduring lessons for the church’s ongoing mandate to proclaim Christ where He is not yet named. Forms and Transliterations εσπανισμένους Σπανιαν Σπανίαν σπανίζεται σπάνιον Spanian SpaníanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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