Topical Encyclopedia The term "Asiarchs" refers to a group of high-ranking officials in the Roman province of Asia during the first century A.D. These individuals played a significant role in the civic and religious life of the region, which included cities such as Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum. The Asiarchs were responsible for overseeing public games and festivals, particularly those honoring the Roman emperor and the imperial cult. Their influence extended into various aspects of society, including politics, religion, and culture.Biblical Reference: The Asiarchs are mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys. In Acts 19:31, during Paul's time in Ephesus, a riot broke out due to the silversmiths' opposition to his teachings, which threatened their trade of crafting idols of the goddess Artemis. The Berean Standard Bible records: "Even some of Paul’s friends who were officials of the province of Asia sent word to him, begging him not to venture into the theater." This passage indicates that Paul had connections with some Asiarchs who were sympathetic to his mission, highlighting the complex social and political dynamics of the time. Role and Function: The Asiarchs were typically wealthy and influential citizens, often selected from the local elite. Their primary duty was to organize and fund the annual games and festivals dedicated to the emperor and the gods, which were central to maintaining Roman religious and cultural practices in the province. These events served to reinforce loyalty to the Roman Empire and its deities, promoting unity and stability within the region. The position of an Asiarch was both an honor and a responsibility, as it required significant personal expenditure. The role was not a permanent office but rather a title held for a specific period, often on a rotating basis among the leading citizens of the cities in Asia. The Asiarchs' involvement in religious activities underscores the intertwining of civic and religious duties in the Roman world. Cultural and Religious Context: The presence of Asiarchs in the biblical narrative provides insight into the cultural and religious environment of the early Christian church. The province of Asia was a melting pot of Greco-Roman and local traditions, with a strong emphasis on emperor worship. The Asiarchs, as custodians of these traditions, were pivotal in maintaining the status quo, which often put them at odds with the burgeoning Christian movement that rejected idolatry and emperor worship. Despite this, the mention of Asiarchs as friends of Paul suggests that the early Christian message found resonance even among the upper echelons of society. This relationship indicates the potential for dialogue and influence between the early church and the broader cultural and political structures of the time. Historical Significance: The Asiarchs exemplify the complex relationship between the early Christian community and the Roman authorities. Their role in the New Testament narrative highlights the challenges faced by the early church in navigating a world dominated by pagan practices and imperial power. The mention of Asiarchs in Acts 19 serves as a reminder of the diverse responses to the gospel message, ranging from hostility to support, within the socio-political framework of the Roman Empire. Greek 775. Asiarches -- an Asiarch, an official of Asian cities ... Word Origin from Asia and archo Definition an Asiarch, an official of Asian cities NASB Word Usage Asiarchs (1). chief of Asia. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/775.htm - 6k Library The Fight with Wild Beasts at Ephesus Acts xix. 21, 23 Polycarp is Sentenced to be Burned. Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ... Homilies on the Statues. Happy Children and Prosperous Days The Conversion of Apollos, his Character, and the Ministry of Paul ... Acts XIX [Endnotes] The Acts of the Apostles. Thesaurus Asiarchs (1 Occurrence)...Asiarchs (1 Occurrence). Acts 19:31 Certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent to him and begged him not to venture into the theater. ... /a/asiarchs.htm - 6k Asiarch A'si-Archs (1 Occurrence) Venture (10 Occurrences) Urged (44 Occurrences) Theater (2 Occurrences) Repeatedly (28 Occurrences) Chiefs (227 Occurrences) Besought (57 Occurrences) Friends (152 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Asiarchs (1 Occurrence)Acts 19:31 Subtopics Related Terms |
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