Cnidus was an ancient city located in the region of Caria, in what is now southwestern Turkey. It was situated on a peninsula that jutted into the Aegean Sea, making it an important maritime city in antiquity. Cnidus was known for its strategic location, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange between the Greek mainland and the eastern Mediterranean.

Historical and Cultural Context

Cnidus was a prominent city in the classical Greek world, renowned for its contributions to art, science, and philosophy. It was part of the Dorian Hexapolis, a federation of six cities that shared cultural and religious ties. The city was famous for its school of medicine and its association with the renowned physician Eudoxus, who was a student of Plato and a significant figure in the development of astronomy and mathematics.

The city was also known for its impressive architecture and art, including the Temple of Aphrodite, which housed the celebrated statue of Aphrodite by the sculptor Praxiteles. This statue was considered one of the masterpieces of ancient Greek art.

Biblical Significance

Cnidus is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome. In Acts 27:7, the Berean Standard Bible records: "We sailed slowly for many days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus. As the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone." This passage highlights the challenges faced by Paul and his companions during their voyage, as adverse winds forced them to alter their route.

The mention of Cnidus in the Book of Acts underscores its role as a navigational point in the ancient maritime world. The city's location made it a natural waypoint for ships traveling between the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean, and its mention in the biblical narrative provides insight into the logistical realities of ancient sea travel.

Religious and Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of Cnidus in the Acts of the Apostles serves as a reminder of the early Christian mission's reliance on the established trade routes and cities of the Roman Empire. The spread of the Gospel was facilitated by the infrastructure and connectivity of the ancient world, allowing the message of Christ to reach diverse populations across the Mediterranean.

The challenges faced by Paul and his companions, including the difficult sailing conditions near Cnidus, can be seen as emblematic of the broader struggles and perseverance required in the mission of spreading the Christian faith. These narratives highlight the providence and guidance of God in the midst of adversity, as the early Church sought to fulfill the Great Commission.

Archaeological and Modern Relevance

Today, the site of ancient Cnidus is an archaeological treasure, offering insights into the life and culture of a significant classical city. Excavations have revealed remnants of its temples, theaters, and public buildings, providing a glimpse into the grandeur of its past.

For modern Christians, the historical and biblical references to Cnidus serve as a tangible connection to the early Church's history and the geographical context of the New Testament. The city's legacy as a center of learning and culture, combined with its role in the biblical narrative, continues to inspire interest and study among scholars and believers alike.Acts 27:7
And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;
Nave's Topical Index

2834. Knidos -- Cnidus, a city on the SW coast of Asia Minor
... Cnidus, a city on the SW coast of Asia Minor. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: Knidos Phonetic Spelling: (knee'-dos) Short Definition: Cnidus ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2834.htm - 6k

Acts XXVII
... flows westward along the southern shore of Asia Minor, as far as ... called Fair Havens,
near which was the city of Lasea ... From Myra to the island of Cnidus is only ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvii.htm

Paul's Shipwreck
... a ship which was bound for the seaports of Asia Minor. ... only with great difficulty
that we arrived off Cnidus. ... a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/pauls shipwreck.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... the opinion of Eudoxus; not Eudoxus of Cnidus, pupil of ... refers to the foundation
of a city; and if ... the legend as told to Herodotus in Asia Minor, probably by ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... derived from the court of Artaxerxes by Ctesias of Cnidus. ... which he identified with
a ruined city in this ... and the Euphrates as far as the centre of Asia Minor. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Acts xxvi. 30-32
... in the former ship) would bear to Asia the report ... days, and scarce were come over
against Cnidus, the wind ... the fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liii acts xxvi 30-32.htm

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