Topical Encyclopedia Geographical Location and Historical Context:Abilene was a region located in the vicinity of Mount Hermon, in the northern part of ancient Palestine. It was named after its chief city, Abila, and was situated to the east of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. The territory of Abilene was part of the larger Roman province of Syria during the early first century AD. Its geographical boundaries are not precisely defined in historical records, but it is generally considered to have been a small district. Political Significance: Abilene gained prominence in the New Testament period, particularly during the reign of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. It was governed by a tetrarch, a ruler of a quarter of a province, which was a common administrative division in the Roman Empire. The most notable tetrarch of Abilene mentioned in the Bible is Lysanias. Biblical Reference: The region of Abilene is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, which provides a historical context for the ministry of John the Baptist. In Luke 3:1 , it states: "In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene." This passage situates the beginning of John the Baptist's ministry within a specific historical framework, highlighting the political landscape of the time. Cultural and Religious Context: Abilene, like much of the surrounding region, was a melting pot of cultures and religions. It was influenced by Hellenistic culture due to the conquests of Alexander the Great and later by Roman governance. The population likely included a mix of pagans, Jews, and possibly early Christians. The presence of a tetrarch suggests a degree of local autonomy under the overarching authority of the Roman Empire. Archaeological and Historical Evidence: While direct archaeological evidence from Abilene is limited, historical records from Roman and Jewish sources provide some insight into the region. The city of Abila, the capital of Abilene, is believed to have been located near the modern village of Suq Wadi Barada in Syria. Ruins in this area, including temples and other structures, reflect the Hellenistic and Roman influences on the region. Significance in Early Christianity: The mention of Abilene in the Gospel of Luke underscores the interconnectedness of various regions under Roman rule and the spread of early Christianity. The political and cultural landscape of areas like Abilene played a role in shaping the environment in which the early Christian message was propagated. The reference to Lysanias as tetrarch provides a chronological marker for the events described in the New Testament, aiding in the historical understanding of the period. Conclusion: The region of Abilene, though briefly mentioned in the New Testament, serves as a testament to the complex political and cultural dynamics of the time. Its inclusion in the Gospel of Luke highlights the historical context of the early Christian narrative and the diverse backdrop against which the message of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ emerged. Nave's Topical Index Luke 3:1Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Nave's Topical Index Library John the Baptist's Person and Preaching. The Gospel. Chronology of the Life of Christ. In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ... Index i. Of Subjects Resources What year was Jesus Christ born? When was Jesus born? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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