Topical Encyclopedia Pontus, a region located in the northeastern part of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), holds a significant place in the New Testament narrative, particularly in the context of the early Christian church. This area, bordered by the Black Sea to the north, was known for its diverse population and strategic location, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange.The most notable biblical reference to Pontus is its connection to Aquila, a Jewish Christian who, along with his wife Priscilla, played a crucial role in the early church. Aquila is introduced in the Book of Acts as a native of Pontus. Acts 18:2 states, "There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to visit them." Aquila and Priscilla are often mentioned as close companions and fellow workers with the Apostle Paul. Their partnership in ministry is highlighted in several passages, including Acts 18:18-19, 1 Corinthians 16:19, and Romans 16:3-4. Their hospitality and dedication to the spread of the Gospel are evident as they hosted a church in their home and instructed Apollos, an eloquent preacher, in the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26). Pontus itself was one of the regions represented on the Day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2:9 : "Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia." This indicates that Jews from Pontus were present in Jerusalem during this pivotal event, suggesting that the seeds of Christianity were sown in Pontus from the very beginning of the church's expansion. The presence of Jewish communities in Pontus, as evidenced by Aquila's heritage, points to the widespread dispersion of Jews throughout the Roman Empire. This dispersion, known as the Diaspora, played a significant role in the spread of Christianity, as synagogues often served as initial points of contact for the apostles and early missionaries. In 1 Peter 1:1 , the Apostle Peter addresses his epistle to "God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia." This greeting underscores the existence of Christian communities in Pontus and highlights the region's importance in the early church. Pontus, therefore, emerges as a significant location in the New Testament, not only as the homeland of Aquila but also as a region where the early Christian message took root and flourished. The involvement of individuals like Aquila and Priscilla, along with the presence of Jewish and Christian communities, underscores Pontus's role in the broader narrative of the spread of the Gospel across the Roman Empire. Nave's Topical Index Acts 18:2And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came to them. Nave's Topical Index Library Origen's Earnest Study of the Divine Scriptures. Introduction Ancient Versions of the Old Testament. Paul in Corinth. Later Greek Versions. Life of Jerome. The First Successors of the Apostles. On Pentecost. [Endnotes] Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Resources Who was Gregory of Nyssa? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is conditional election? | GotQuestions.org What is a sojourner in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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