Geographical and Historical Context:

Myra was an ancient city located in the region of Lycia, which is in present-day Turkey. It was situated near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 2.5 miles from the harbor of Andriake. Myra was known for its strategic location and its significance as a maritime and commercial hub in the ancient world. The city was part of the Roman province of Asia Minor and played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity during the early centuries of the Church.

Biblical Significance:

Myra is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome. In Acts 27:5-6 , it is recorded: "After sailing across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board." This passage highlights Myra as a key transit point in Paul's voyage, underscoring its importance as a maritime center.

Cultural and Religious Influence:

During the Roman period, Myra was a prominent city with a rich cultural heritage. It was known for its grand architecture, including a large theater and impressive rock-cut tombs. The city was also a center of worship for various pagan deities before the spread of Christianity. However, with the rise of Christianity, Myra became an influential Christian center. It was the seat of a bishopric and played a significant role in the early Church.

Saint Nicholas of Myra:

One of the most notable figures associated with Myra is Saint Nicholas, who served as the Bishop of Myra in the 4th century. He is renowned for his piety, generosity, and numerous miracles attributed to his intercession. Saint Nicholas's legacy has had a lasting impact on Christian tradition, and he is venerated as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian traditions. His life and deeds have inspired the modern-day figure of Santa Claus.

Archaeological Discoveries:

Archaeological excavations in Myra have uncovered significant artifacts and structures that provide insight into the city's historical and religious significance. The remains of the ancient theater, the Roman baths, and the rock-cut tombs are among the notable discoveries. Additionally, the Church of St. Nicholas, built in the 6th century, stands as a testament to the city's Christian heritage and continues to be a site of pilgrimage.

Theological Reflections:

The mention of Myra in the Acts of the Apostles serves as a reminder of the early Church's missionary endeavors and the spread of the Gospel across diverse regions. Myra's transformation from a pagan city to a Christian center reflects the transformative power of the Gospel and the Church's mission to bring the message of Christ to all nations. The legacy of figures like Saint Nicholas further exemplifies the Christian virtues of charity, faith, and service to others, which continue to inspire believers today.Myra

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Myra

an important town in Lycia, on the southwest coast of Asia Minor, on the river Andriacus, 21 miles from its mouth referred to in (Acts 27:5) Myra (named Dembra by the Greeks) Is remarkable still for its remains of various periods of history.

Myra

A town of Lycia, where Paul embarked for Rome, on board a ship of Alexandria, Acts 27:5.

One of the chief towns of Lycia, in Asia Minor, about 2 1/2 miles from the coast (Acts 27:5). Here Paul removed from the Adramyttian ship in which he had sailed from Caesarea, and entered into the Alexandrian ship, which was afterwards wrecked at Melita (27:39-44). MYRA

mi'-ra (Mura): A city of the ancient country of Lycia about 2 1/2 miles from the coast. Here, according to Acts 27:6, Paul found a grain ship from Alexandria. The city stood upon a hill formed by the openings of two valleys. At an early period Myra was of less importance than was the neighboring city Patara, yet later it became a prominent port for ships from Egypt and Cyprus, and Theodosius II made it the capital of the province. It was also famed as the seat of worship of an Asiatic deity whose name is no longer known. Nicholas, a bishop and the patron saint of sailors, is said to have been buried in a church on the road between Myra and Andraki, the port. Here an Arab fleet was destroyed in 807. In 808 Haroun al-Rashid, the renowned kalif of Bagdad, took the city, and here Saewulf landed on his return from Jerusalem. Dembre is the modern name of the ruins of Myra, which are among the most imposing in that part of Asia Minor. The elaborate details of the decoration of theater are unusually well preserved, and the rock-hewn tombs about the city bear many bas-reliefs and inscriptions of interest. On the road to Andraki the monastery of Nicholas may still be seen.

E. J. Banks

3460. Mura -- Myra, a city of Lycia
... Myra, a city of Lycia. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: Mura Phonetic
Spelling: (moo'-rah) Short Definition: Myra Definition: Myra, a port in Lycia ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3460.htm - 6k

Letter ccxviii. To Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium.
... If any one is to go let him enquire at Corydala [2855] for Alexander, the late monk,
the bishop; at Limyra [2856] for Diotimus, and at Myra [2857] for Tatianus ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ccxviii to amphilochius bishop.htm

Acts XXVII
... (5) "And when we had sailed across the sea along Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came
to Myra, a city of Lycia. ... 7-8. The wind was still contrary when they left Myra. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvii.htm

Drawing Nearer to the Storm
... and on the third struck back to the mainland at Patara, from which, according to
one reading, they ran along the coast a little further east to Myra, the usual ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/drawing nearer to the storm.htm

From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
... (1) From Caesarea to Myra, a city of Lycia. Their ship touched at Sidon where Paul
was allowed to visit his friends. (2) From Myra to the Island of Malta. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xx from antioch to.htm

The Great Council
... shepherd Bishop of Cyprus, and the great St. Nicholas of Myra, both famed
for their miracles. Among the Bishops of the West were ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/forbes/saint athanasius/chapter 3 the great council.htm

Appendix.
... Paterson: Philip Henry; Oberlin; Francke; Neff; Payson; Henry Martyn; Brainerd;
Howard; Dr. Hopkins; President Edwards; Mrs. Emily Egerton; Mrs. Myra W. Allen ...
/.../newcomb/a practical directory for young christian females/appendix.htm

The Voyage and Shipwreck
... At Myra, in the province of Lycia, the centurion found a large Alexandrian ship,
bound for the coast of Italy, and to this he immediately transferred his ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 42 the voyage and.htm

Paul's Shipwreck
... Putting to sea again, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, for the wind was against
us. Then after sailing past Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/pauls shipwreck.htm

Extracts from the Acts. Session I.
... The Holy Synod said: Glory to God which maketh one that which was severed. [Theodore,
bishop of Myra, then read the same confession, and was received. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/extracts from the acts session 18.htm

Acts of Paul and Thecla.
... And there was great joy in the house. And Thecla kept seeking Paul; and
it was told her that he was in Myra of Lycia. And taking ...
/.../unknown/acts of paul and thecla/acts of paul and thecla.htm

Myra (1 Occurrence)
...MYRA. ... Nicholas, a bishop and the patron saint of sailors, is said to have been buried
in a church on the road between Myra and Andraki, the port. ...
/m/myra.htm - 8k

Lycia (1 Occurrence)
... It was a province of the Roman empire when visited by Paul (Acts 21:1; 27:5). Two
of its towns are mentioned, Patara (21:1, 2) and Myra (27:5). Int. ...
/l/lycia.htm - 9k

Patara (1 Occurrence)
... Though born at Patara, Nicholas was a bishop and saint of Myra, a neighboring Lycian
city, and there he is said to have been buried. ... See also MYRA. EJ Banks. ...
/p/patara.htm - 9k

Phoenix (2 Occurrences)
... The Alexandrian corn ship carrying Paul and the author of Acts, after it left Myra
in Lycia, was prevented by adverse winds from holding a straight course to ...
/p/phoenix.htm - 12k

Crete (7 Occurrences)
... In the harbor of Myra, on the coast of Lycia, the centurion in charge of Paul
transferred him from the Adramyttian ship which had brought them from Caesarea ...
/c/crete.htm - 19k

Lies (208 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS RSV NIV). Acts 27:5 and, sailing the whole length of the sea that lies
off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we reached Myra in Lycia. (WEY). ...
/l/lies.htm - 35k

Landed (10 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Acts 27:5 When we had sailed across the sea which is off Cilicia and
Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. (See NAS NIV). ...
/l/landed.htm - 9k

Ly'cia (1 Occurrence)
... Ly'cia (1 Occurrence). Acts 27:5 When we had sailed across the sea which is off
Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. (See RSV). ...
/l/ly'cia.htm - 6k

Myndus

/m/myndus.htm - 6k

Myria (1 Occurrence)

/m/myria.htm - 6k

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