Lysanias is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke. He is identified as a tetrarch, a ruler of a quarter of a region, during the time of John the Baptist's ministry. The reference to Lysanias is found in Luke 3:1, which provides a historical context for the beginning of John the Baptist's public ministry: "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."

Historical Context

The mention of Lysanias in the Gospel of Luke situates him within a specific historical framework, providing a timeline for the events described in the New Testament. The fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar's reign is generally understood to be around AD 28-29. This period is significant as it marks the beginning of the public ministry of John the Baptist, who played a crucial role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ.

Lysanias is described as the tetrarch of Abilene, a region located in the vicinity of Mount Hermon, near the present-day border of Lebanon and Syria. The historical records outside the Bible mention a Lysanias who was the ruler of Chalcis, a region in the same general area, around 40 BC. However, this earlier Lysanias is not the same individual mentioned in Luke 3:1, as there is a significant time gap between the two. It is likely that the Lysanias referred to in the Gospel of Luke was a descendant or relative of the earlier ruler, continuing the family line of governance in the region.

Role and Significance

The role of Lysanias as a tetrarch, though not extensively detailed in the biblical text, is significant for understanding the political landscape during the time of Jesus and John the Baptist. The mention of various tetrarchs, including Lysanias, highlights the fragmented nature of governance in the region, with different rulers overseeing different territories under the overarching authority of the Roman Empire.

The inclusion of Lysanias in the Gospel of Luke serves to anchor the narrative in a specific historical and political context, underscoring the reality of the events described. This historical anchoring is a common feature in Luke's Gospel, which often provides detailed accounts of the political and social environment of the time.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of Lysanias, along with other political figures of the time, emphasizes the sovereignty of God in orchestrating the events of history. Despite the complex political landscape and the various rulers in power, God's plan for salvation through Jesus Christ unfolds precisely as intended. The reference to Lysanias and other rulers serves as a reminder that God's purposes transcend human political structures and authorities.

In summary, Lysanias, as a tetrarch mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, provides valuable historical context for the ministry of John the Baptist and the early life of Jesus Christ. His inclusion in the biblical narrative highlights the intricate political environment of the time and underscores the divine orchestration of historical events in accordance with God's redemptive plan.Luke 3:1
Now 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

3078. Lusanias -- "ending sorrow," Lysanias, a governor of Abilene
... of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Lusanias Phonetic Spelling:
(loo-san-ee'-as) Short Definition: Lysanias Definition: Lysanias, tetrarch of Abilene. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3078.htm - 6k

On the Position Given to the Preaching of John the Baptist in all ...
... Jud??a, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Itur??a
and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter vi on the position given.htm

John the Preacher of Repentance
... and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and
of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, 2. Annas ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/john the preacher of repentance.htm

The Times of Pilate.
... 2. 1; 5 and 7; BJ II. 9. [165] The Lysanias referred to here is mentioned in Luke
3:1 as Tetrarch of Abilene. Eusebius, in speaking of Lysanias here, follows ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ix the times of pilate.htm

Abgar Returns from the East; He Gives Help to Aretas in a War ...
... Ardach??s and his brothers; but no credence was given to his statement: for he was
accused by his enemies Pilate, Herod the tetrarch, Lysanias and Philip. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/iv abgar returns from the.htm

The Preaching of John. Ch. 3:1-20
... of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch
of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the preaching of john.htm

The Voice in the Wilderness.
... of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch
of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the voice in the wilderness.htm

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... of a Lysanias, king of Chalcis, under Mt. Lebanon, who was put to death by Mark
Antony, bc36, or sixty-odd years before this, and another who was tetrarch of ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm

The Gospel of Luke
... of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of
Iturea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilena ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of luke.htm

Book 18 Footnotes
... Luke is in some measure confirmed, when he reforms us, ch.3:1, that Lysanias was
some time before tetrarch of Abilene, whose capital was Abila; as he is ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 18 footnotes.htm

A People Prepared for the Lord
... of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of
Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abiline ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/a people prepared for the.htm

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