Lexical Summary Phoinix: Phoenix Original Word: Φοῖνιξ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Phenice. Probably the same as phoinix; Phoenix, a place in Crete -- Phenice. see GREEK phoinix NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as Phoiniké Definition a Phoenician (an inhab. of Phoenicia), Phoenix (a city of Crete) NASB Translation Phoenix (1). Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Phoenix was a well-sheltered harbor on the southern coast of Crete, likely corresponding to modern Loutro or the bay of Phineka some forty miles west of Fair Havens. Its inlet looks northwest toward the Aegean and southwest toward the Libyan Sea, matching Luke’s nautical description. In the first century the port offered deeper water, natural protection from winter gales, and proximity to Cretan settlements and Roman shipping lanes that linked Alexandria, Myra, and Italy. Biblical Narrative Context Acts 27:12: “Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided to sail on, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.” The verse appears in Luke’s meticulous account of Paul’s voyage to Rome (Acts 27:1-44). After difficult progress under adverse winds, the grain ship reached Fair Havens. Paul, informed by previous shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:25), advised remaining there (Acts 27:9-10). The pilot and owner, confident that Phoenix would provide better quarters and commercial opportunity, persuaded the centurion to resume the journey. This human choice, driven by majority opinion and economic interest, precipitated the disastrous northeaster that drove the vessel toward Malta. Historical Significance and Archaeological Insights 1. Maritime Commerce: Crete sat astride the east-west grain route from Egypt to Rome. Harbors such as Phoenix were staging points where captains could await favorable winds, repair hulls, and resupply. Theological and Pastoral Reflections • Human Wisdom versus Prophetic Insight: Acts contrasts the expertise of seasoned mariners with Paul’s Spirit-guided warning. The misjudgment at Phoenix illustrates Proverbs 3:5-6 lived out at sea. Lessons for Ministry Today 1. Weigh Counsel Carefully: Majority opinion and professional credentials should be examined in light of scriptural principles and Spirit-led discernment. Thus the lone biblical mention of Phoenix, while geographically precise, serves a larger narrative of providence, warning, and hope that continues to instruct the church. Forms and Transliterations Φοινικα Φοίνικα Phoinika PhoínikaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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