Candace is a title used to refer to the queen of Ethiopia 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 was used by the queens of the ancient African kingdom of Kush, located in what is now modern-day Sudan.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to Candace is found in the Book of Acts, specifically 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 in the early Christian church as it marks one of the first recorded instances of the Gospel being shared with a Gentile from Africa. The Ethiopian eunuch, after hearing Philip explain the prophecy of Isaiah and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, requests baptism and becomes a believer, symbolizing the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities.

Historical Context:

The kingdom of Kush, where Candace reigned, was a powerful and wealthy civilization known for its trade, military prowess, and unique culture. The title "Candace" was used by several queens who ruled either as regents or in their own right. These queens were known for their strength and influence, often depicted in historical records as warrior queens who led their armies into battle.

The mention of Candace in the Book of Acts highlights the interconnectedness of the ancient world, where trade routes and diplomatic relations brought diverse cultures into contact with one another. The Ethiopian eunuch's journey to Jerusalem for worship suggests that there were Jewish communities or at least a significant interest in Judaism in Ethiopia at the time.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the account of Candace's eunuch serves as a powerful testament to the inclusivity of the Gospel message. The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch is seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 56:3-5, which speaks of God's acceptance of foreigners and eunuchs who hold fast to His covenant. This narrative underscores the early church's mission to reach all nations and peoples, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.

The account of Candace and her eunuch also reflects the sovereignty of God in orchestrating divine appointments. Philip's encounter with the eunuch was not by chance but was guided by the Holy Spirit, demonstrating God's desire for all people to come to the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Cultural Impact:

The account of Candace's eunuch has had a lasting impact on Christian tradition, particularly in Ethiopia, where it is believed to mark the beginning of Christianity in the region. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world, traces its roots back to this biblical event. The account is celebrated as a foundational moment in the history of Ethiopian Christianity, highlighting the nation's early and enduring connection to the Christian faith.

In summary, Candace, as a title for the queen of Ethiopia, represents a significant figure in the biblical narrative, illustrating the reach of the Gospel and the fulfillment of God's promise to bless all nations through the seed of Abraham. Her mention in the Book of Acts serves as a reminder of the diverse and global nature of the early Christian movement.Acts 8:27
And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
Nave's Topical Index

2582. Kandake -- Candace, a queen of Ethiopia
... Candace, a queen of Ethiopia. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Kandake
Phonetic Spelling: (kan-dak'-ay) Short Definition: Candace Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2582.htm - 6k

Laymen Called to the Field of Missions.
... Again, the treasurer of Candace, Queen of Ethiopia, seems to have been converted
on his return home, not simply out of regard to his own personal salvation ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter v laymen called to.htm

A Meeting in the Desert
... And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority
under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a meeting in the desert.htm

The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch.
... "Behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of
the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xi the conversion of.htm

The Holy Spirit Sending Men Forth to Definite Lines of Work.
... We read in Acts 8:27-29, RV, "And he (Philip) arose and went: and behold, a man
of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xviii the holy spirit.htm

Acts viii. 26, 27
... And, behold," it says, "a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace,
queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xix acts viii 26.htm

The Gospel in Samaria
... "And, behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace queen
of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 11 the gospel in.htm

The Acts of the Apostles.
... 3. Candace, Queen of the Ethiopians, 8:27. Strabo mentions a queen of Mero?? in Ethiopia,
under that name, which was probably, like Pharaoh, a dynastic title. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 85 the acts of.htm

Exile: Appeals for a Phinehas, and a Jehu: 1554
... laws of a country. Philip the eunuch, though converted, did not drive
Queen Candace out of Ethiopia. If a tyrannous and ungodly ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter v exile appeals for.htm

The Course Pursued by the Apostles after the Ascension of Christ.
... This queen was Candace, according to the Biblical account; but Candace was the ... III.
12. 8) says that this Eunuch returned to Ethiopia and preached there. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter i the course pursued by.htm

The Early History of Particular Churches.
... Matthew, the way having, perhaps, been prepared by that "man of Ethiopia," the eunuch
"under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians," of whom we read in Acts 8:27-39 ...
/.../a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter vii the early history.htm

Who was the Ethiopian eunuch? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Philip in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was the Queen of Sheba? | GotQuestions.org

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