Lasea: A City of Crete
Jump to: Nave'sGreekLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Lasea is a city mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. It is located on the island of Crete, which is situated in the Mediterranean Sea. The reference to Lasea is found in the context of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner.

Biblical Reference:

The city of Lasea is mentioned in Acts 27:8, which describes part of Paul's voyage to Rome. The Berean Standard Bible states: "After we had sailed slowly for many days and had arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind did not allow us to go farther, so we sailed under the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Lasea was located near the southern coast of Crete, close to the harbor known as Fair Havens. The mention of Lasea in Acts 27:8 provides insight into the maritime routes and challenges faced by ancient travelers. The region's geography, with its rugged coastline and unpredictable winds, often made navigation difficult, as evidenced by Paul's journey.

Crete itself holds a significant place in ancient history, known for its Minoan civilization and as a center of trade and culture in the Mediterranean. By the time of the New Testament, Crete was under Roman control, and its cities, including Lasea, were part of the broader Roman Empire.

Theological Significance:

While Lasea is not a focal point of theological discourse, its mention in the narrative of Paul's journey underscores the historical reliability of the Acts of the Apostles. The detailed account of Paul's travels, including specific locations like Lasea, provides a backdrop for understanding the challenges and perseverance of early Christian missionaries.

The journey to Rome, including the stop near Lasea, is part of the larger narrative of Paul's mission to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles. It highlights the Apostle's commitment to his calling, despite the physical and logistical obstacles he encountered.

Archaeological Insights:

Archaeological evidence of Lasea is limited, and the exact location of the ancient city remains a subject of scholarly investigation. However, the mention of Lasea in the biblical text aligns with known historical and geographical data about Crete during the Roman period.

Cultural and Historical Impact:

The brief mention of Lasea in the Book of Acts serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the ancient world. Cities like Lasea, though small and seemingly insignificant, played a role in the broader narrative of early Christianity and the spread of the Gospel across the Roman Empire.

In summary, Lasea is a testament to the historical context of the New Testament, providing a glimpse into the maritime challenges faced by Paul and his companions as they journeyed to fulfill their divine mission.
Nave's Topical Index
Acts 27:8
And, hardly passing it, came to a place which is called The fair havens; near whereunto was the city of Lasea.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
2996. Lasaia -- Lasea, a city of Crete
... Lasea, a city of Crete. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Lasaia Phonetic
Spelling: (las-ah'-yah) Short Definition: Lasea Definition: Lasea, a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2996.htm - 6k
Library

Acts XXVII
... lee of Crete, over against Salmone; (8) and coasting along it with difficulty, we
came into a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea." From ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvii.htm

Paul's Shipwreck
... under the lee of Crete, opposite Cape Salmone, and after coasting along with great
difficulty came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/pauls shipwreck.htm

Acts xxvi. 30-32
... we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; and, hardly passing it, came unto a
place which is called the fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liii acts xxvi 30-32.htm

The Acts of the Apostles.
... public assemblies, the distinct officers of the city, the Roman ... the description of
the localities at Crete, Salmone, Fair Havens, Cauda, Lasea and Phoenix ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 85 the acts of.htm

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Lase'a
Top of Page
Top of Page