Introduction:
Cretes refers to the inhabitants of the island of Crete, a significant location in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and holds a prominent place in biblical history and early Christianity. The island is mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys and the early Christian church.

Biblical References:
The most notable mention of Cretes in the Bible is found in the Book of Acts. During the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner, he encountered a storm while sailing near Crete. Acts 27:7-8 states, "We sailed slowly for many days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea."

Additionally, Crete is mentioned in the context of the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2:11 notes that among the diverse crowd present in Jerusalem were "Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"

Cultural and Historical Context:
Crete was known for its rich cultural heritage and was home to the ancient Minoan civilization, one of the earliest advanced societies in Europe. By the time of the New Testament, Crete was under Roman rule, and its strategic location made it a hub for trade and travel in the Mediterranean.

The Cretans had a reputation for being skilled sailors, but they were also known for certain negative traits. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Titus, who was overseeing the church in Crete, quotes a Cretan prophet: "One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.'" (Titus 1:12). This characterization highlights the challenges Titus faced in establishing a strong Christian community on the island.

The Church in Crete:
Paul's epistle to Titus provides insight into the early Christian church in Crete. Titus was left in Crete to "set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town" (Titus 1:5). This indicates that the church in Crete was in its formative stages and required strong leadership to combat false teachings and promote sound doctrine.

Paul's instructions to Titus emphasize the importance of good works and sound teaching, reflecting the need for the Cretan believers to live out their faith in a way that countered the negative stereotypes associated with their culture. The letter to Titus serves as a pastoral guide for maintaining order and promoting godliness within the church.

Conclusion:
The biblical references to Cretes and the island of Crete highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by the early Christian church in a diverse and culturally rich environment. The presence of Cretans at Pentecost and the establishment of the church on the island underscore the spread of the Gospel across the Mediterranean and the transformative power of the Christian message in various cultural contexts.Cretes

(Acts 2:11) Cretans, inhabitants of Crete.

Laymen Called to the Field of Missions.
... in Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and the parts of Lybia about
Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians." Upon ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter v laymen called to.htm

The Abiding Gift and Its Transitory Accompaniments
... Jews and proselytes.11. Cretes, and Arabians, we do hear them speak in
our tongues the wonderful works of God.12. And they were ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the abiding gift and its.htm

When the Holy Spirit was Sent.
... in Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the regions of Africa
about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews, natives, Cretes, and Arabians, they ...
/.../chapter 9 name the holy.htm

The Angel of the Everlasting Gospel.
... in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya
about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the angel of the everlasting.htm

Acts ii. 1, 2
... in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene:" mark how they run from east to
west: [96] "and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iv acts ii 1.htm

Unity and Peace.
... came down in the tongues of fire and sat on every man; when the Parthians, and Medes,
and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, the "Cretes and Arabians ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xi unity and peace.htm

Acts II
... Pontus and Asia, (10) Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about
Cyrene; and Roman strangers, both Jews and proselytes, (11) Cretes and Arabians ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ii.htm

The Day of Pentecost.
... in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya
about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture ii the day of.htm

The Baptism with the Holy Spirit.
... were born? Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the
wonderful works of God" (Acts 2:4, 7, 8, 11). Then follows ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xx the baptism with.htm

Cretes (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cretes (1 Occurrence). Acts 2:11 Cretes and Arabians,
we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/c/cretes.htm - 6k

Crete (7 Occurrences)
... Crete (7 Occurrences). Acts 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our
tongues the wonderful works of God. (Root in KJV BBE WBS YLT). ...
/c/crete.htm - 19k

Wonderful (71 Occurrences)
... eyes. (DBY YLT). Acts 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in
our tongues the wonderful works of God. (KJV WEY WBS). 2 ...
/w/wonderful.htm - 29k

Cretians (1 Occurrence)

/c/cretians.htm - 6k

Arabs (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Arabs (7 Occurrences). Acts 2:11 Cretes and Arabians,
we did hear them speaking in our tongues the great things of God.' (See NAS NIV) ...
/a/arabs.htm - 8k

Tongues (67 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). Acts 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak
in our tongues the wonderful works of God. (KJV ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/tongues.htm - 61k

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