Topical Encyclopedia Caesarea, often referred to as Caesarea Maritima, was a significant city in ancient Judea, located on the Mediterranean coast. It was constructed by Herod the Great between 22 and 10 BC and named in honor of Caesar Augustus. The city served as the Roman administrative capital of Judea and was a hub of political, economic, and cultural activity during the New Testament period.Historical and Biblical Significance Caesarea is prominently featured in the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles. It was a center of Roman authority and governance, and as such, it played a crucial role in the early Christian narrative. The city is noted for its grand architecture, including a magnificent harbor, aqueducts, and a theater, reflecting its importance as a Roman provincial capital. Felix, the Roman Governor One of the most notable figures associated with Caesarea is Antonius Felix, the Roman procurator of Judea from approximately AD 52 to 60. Felix is a key figure in the New Testament, particularly in the account of the Apostle Paul's trials. The Book of Acts provides insight into Felix's interactions with Paul, highlighting the political and judicial processes of the time. In Acts 23:23-24 , we read about Paul's transfer to Caesarea under heavy guard: "Then he called two of his centurions and said, 'Prepare a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night. Provide mounts for Paul to ride, and take him safely to Governor Felix.'" Felix's role in Paul's trial is further detailed in Acts 24. Paul is brought before Felix, who listens to the accusations against him and Paul's defense. Acts 24:22-23 states, "Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the proceedings and said, 'When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case.' He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs." Felix's tenure as governor is characterized by his handling of Paul's case, which he left unresolved for two years, as noted in Acts 24:27 : "After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison." Cultural and Religious Context Caesarea was a melting pot of cultures, with a significant Gentile population alongside a Jewish community. This diversity is reflected in the city's religious landscape, which included pagan temples and synagogues. The presence of Roman officials like Felix underscores the tension between Roman authority and Jewish tradition, a theme that is evident in the New Testament narrative. The city also served as a backdrop for the spread of Christianity. It was in Caesarea that the Apostle Peter baptized Cornelius, a Roman centurion, marking a pivotal moment in the early Church's outreach to Gentiles (Acts 10). This event signifies the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, a core message of the Gospel. Archaeological Insights Modern archaeological excavations have uncovered significant remains of Caesarea, including the theater, hippodrome, and remnants of Herod's palace. These findings provide a tangible connection to the historical and biblical accounts, offering insights into the city's grandeur and its role in the events of the New Testament. In summary, Caesarea, as the home of Felix, stands as a testament to the complex interplay of politics, culture, and religion in the early Christian era. Its significance in the biblical narrative is underscored by its association with key figures and events that shaped the spread of the Gospel. Nave's Topical Index Acts 23:23,24And he called to him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen three score and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; Nave's Topical Index Library The Trial at Caesarea Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ... From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem. The Apostle of the Gentiles. The End Against "The Roaring Lions" The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70 The Epistles of St. Paul Peter Stood Up. Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Resources Who was Basil of Caesarea? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Eusebius of Caesarea? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Cappadocian Fathers? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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