Phenicia, also known as Phoenicia, was an ancient region located along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, primarily in what is now modern-day Lebanon and parts of Syria and Israel. This area was known for its maritime trade and the spread of the Phoenician alphabet, which greatly influenced the development of writing systems in the ancient world.

In the context of the New Testament, Phenicia holds significance as a region where Jesus' teachings reached and where Jews from this area encountered His message. The Gospels and Acts provide insights into the interactions and movements of people from Phenicia during the time of Jesus and the early church.

Biblical References:

1. Mark 7:24-30 : In this passage, Jesus travels to the region of Tyre, a prominent city in Phenicia. Here, He encounters a Syrophoenician woman, a Gentile, who pleads with Him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Despite initial reluctance, Jesus commends her faith and grants her request, highlighting the reach of His ministry beyond the Jewish population.

2. Acts 11:19 : "Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews." This verse indicates that after the martyrdom of Stephen, Jewish Christians fled to various regions, including Phenicia, where they continued to share the Gospel, initially focusing on their fellow Jews.

3. Acts 15:3 : "Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers." This passage describes Paul and Barnabas traveling through Phenicia, sharing the news of Gentile conversions, which was a source of joy for the early Christian communities.

4. Acts 21:2-3 : "Finding a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo." This account of Paul's journey underscores the strategic location of Phenicia as a hub for travel and trade, facilitating the spread of the Gospel.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Phenicia was a melting pot of cultures and religions, with its cities like Tyre and Sidon being centers of commerce and interaction between different peoples. The presence of Jews in Phenicia is well-documented, as they were part of the diaspora communities spread throughout the Roman Empire. These Jewish communities maintained their religious identity while also engaging with the surrounding Gentile populations.

The interactions between Jesus and individuals from Phenicia, as well as the missionary activities of the early church in this region, reflect the broader theme of the Gospel's reach beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries. The accounts of Jews from Phenicia hearing and responding to Jesus' message illustrate the fulfillment of the prophetic vision of God's salvation extending to all nations.

Theological Significance:

The encounters in Phenicia emphasize the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry and the early church's mission. The faith of the Syrophoenician woman and the joy of the Jewish believers in Phenicia upon hearing of Gentile conversions highlight the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles. This aligns with the New Testament's portrayal of the Gospel as a message of reconciliation and unity in Christ, transcending traditional divisions.

Phenicia's role in the New Testament narrative serves as a testament to the dynamic spread of Christianity and the diverse backgrounds of those who came to faith in Jesus. The region's historical and cultural context provides a backdrop for understanding the early church's mission and the transformative power of the Gospel.Mark 3:8
And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came to him.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts XV
... with the Jewish prejudices, and although in Phenicia there were doubtless many Jews,
yet the ... us that the Gentiles through my mouth should hear the word of ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xv.htm

Acts XXI
... arose about Stephen, traveled as far as Phenicia, speaking the ... you, that you teach
all the Jews who are ... by all means come together; for they will hear that you ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxi.htm

Paul in Malta and Rome.
... island was originally peopled by strangers from Africa or Phenicia. ... to the disadvantage
of the gospel; the Jews, with whom ... They were willing to hear both sides ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxix paul in malta.htm

Acts XI
... speaking the word to none but Jews." From this ... of the brethren were spreading the
truth into Phenicia, the island ... They were anxious to hear of every new success ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xi.htm

Drawing Nearer to the Storm
... And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went ... saith the Holy Ghost, So shall
the Jews at Jerusalem ... We hear nothing of visiting the synagogue, nor of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/drawing nearer to the storm.htm

The Breaking Out of Discord
... The fact that they were Palestinian Jews, who had never ... is significant that we do
not hear of their ... gladdened the groups of believers in 'Phenicia and Samaria ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the breaking out of discord.htm

Acts xx. 32
... the weak""not all indiscriminately""and to hear the word ... finding a ship sailing over
unto Phenicia, we went ... the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlv acts xx 32.htm

Letter Lx. To Heliodorus.
... I say nothing of the Jews, the Greeks, and ... Accordingly among the Greeks we hear of
a philosopher ... Arabia, Phenicia, Palestine and Egypt, in their terror fancied ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lx to heliodorus.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... how thou hast received, and didst hear, and keep ... might imagine that those tribes
of Phenicia and peoples ... sort of the people who imitated the Jews in devouring ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

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