Candace is a title used to refer to the queen of the Ethiopians, as mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. The name "Candace" is not a personal name but rather a dynastic title, similar to "Pharaoh" in Egypt or "Caesar" in Rome. This title is specifically mentioned in the Book of Acts, which provides insight into the early spread of Christianity and the diverse individuals who encountered the Gospel message.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to Candace is found in Acts 8:27. The passage describes an encounter between Philip the Evangelist and an Ethiopian eunuch, who was a high-ranking official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship."

This encounter is significant as it highlights the reach of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community and into the Gentile world. The Ethiopian eunuch, a man of great authority and influence, was returning from Jerusalem where he had gone to worship, indicating his interest in the God of Israel. His encounter with Philip led to his conversion and baptism, symbolizing the inclusivity of the Christian message.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The title "Candace" was used by the queens of the ancient African kingdom of Kush, located in what is now modern-day Sudan. The kingdom was known for its wealth and power, and the queens often held significant authority. The mention of Candace in the Book of Acts suggests the prominence of the Ethiopian kingdom during the first century and its interactions with the wider world, including the Jewish and emerging Christian communities.

The Ethiopian eunuch's position as a treasurer underlines the structured and sophisticated nature of the Ethiopian administration. His journey to Jerusalem for worship indicates the presence of Jewish communities in Ethiopia and the influence of Judaism in the region.

Theological Significance:

The account of Candace's treasurer in Acts 8 is a powerful testament to the early Church's mission to spread the Gospel to all nations, fulfilling Jesus' command in Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch is often seen as a divine appointment orchestrated by the Holy Spirit, demonstrating God's desire for all people, regardless of ethnicity or social status, to come to the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ. The eunuch's conversion and subsequent baptism by Philip signify the breaking down of barriers and the universal scope of the Gospel.

Legacy:

The account of Candace's treasurer has had a lasting impact on the Christian tradition, particularly in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, traces its origins to this biblical account. The narrative underscores the historical and spiritual connections between Ethiopia and the early Christian Church, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Gospel's reach across continents and cultures.Can'dace (1 Occurrence)

Acts 8:27
And having arisen, he went on, and lo, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch, a man of rank, of Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to worship to Jerusalem;
(See RSV)

Can'dace (1 Occurrence)
Can'dace. Candace, Can'dace. Candle . Multi-Version Concordance
Can'dace (1 Occurrence). Acts 8:27 And having arisen, he went on ...
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Candace (1 Occurrence)

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Candle (16 Occurrences)

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