Topical Encyclopedia Syria, a region of significant historical and biblical importance, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures. In the New Testament, the fame of Jesus Christ notably extended over this area, highlighting the widespread impact of His ministry beyond the immediate confines of Judea and Galilee.Geographical and Historical Context Syria, during the time of Jesus, was a Roman province located to the north of Israel. It encompassed a diverse population and included major cities such as Damascus and Antioch. The region was a melting pot of cultures and religions, which made it a significant area for the spread of early Christianity. Biblical References The Gospel of Matthew records the rapid spread of Jesus' fame into Syria. Matthew 4:24 states, "News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed—and He healed them." This passage underscores the miraculous works of Jesus and the resulting attention He garnered from neighboring regions. The Ministry of Jesus and Its Impact The extension of Jesus' fame into Syria is indicative of the far-reaching influence of His ministry. The miracles and teachings of Jesus attracted not only the local Jewish population but also Gentiles from surrounding areas. The influx of people from Syria seeking healing and spiritual insight from Jesus demonstrates the universal appeal and authority of His message. Syria in the Early Church Syria played a crucial role in the early Christian church. The city of Antioch, located in Syria, became a central hub for early Christian activity. It was in Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26). The church in Antioch was instrumental in the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul and served as a launching point for the spread of the Gospel to the Gentile world. Cultural and Religious Significance The mention of Syria in the context of Jesus' ministry highlights the breaking down of cultural and religious barriers. The acceptance and interest from the Syrian populace reflect the inclusive nature of Jesus' message, which transcended ethnic and religious boundaries. This foreshadowed the later mission of the apostles to take the Gospel to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Conclusion The extension of Jesus' fame into Syria is a testament to the transformative power of His ministry. It illustrates the early spread of Christianity and the fulfillment of prophetic promises that the Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles. The historical and biblical significance of Syria in the context of Jesus' life and the early church underscores its role in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 4:24And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought to him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. Nave's Topical Index Library John the Baptist --visit of Jesus to John, and his Abode in the ... The First Period. Ch. 4:14-44 Nestorians. Ignatius and his Epistles. Results of Transgression The Apostles Chosen Peter Stood Up. The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ... Some Hymns of Great Witnesses. The Preacher as a Patriot. Resources Does Luke's claim that Jesus was born in Bethlehem at the time of Quirinius' census match the historical record? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Damascus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Cyprus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Syria: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Syria: A Saviour Raised up for Israel Against Syria: Abana and Pharpar Rivers of Syria: And It Included Phoenicia Syria: Army of, Miraculously Routed Syria: Asa Sought Aid of, Against Israel Syria: Benhadad King of, Besieged Samaria Syria: Called Aram, from the Son of Shem Syria: Confederates With Nebuchadnezzar Syria: Conquest of by Jeroboam Syria: Conquest of by Tiglath-Pileser, King of Assyria Syria: Damascus the Capital of Syria: David: Dedicated the Spoils of Syria: David: Destroyed a Second Army of Syria: David: Destroyed the Army of, Which Assisted Hadadezer Syria: David: Garrisoned and Made Tributary Syria: David: Obtained Renown by his Victory Over Syria: David: Sent Joab Against the Armies of, Hired by the Ammonites Syria: Death of the King of, and the Cruelty of his Successor Syria: Elijah Anointed Hazael King Over, by Divine Direction Syria: Elisha Predicted to Joash his Three Victories Over Syria: God Smote With Blindness Those Sent Against Elisha by The Syria: Gospel Preached and Many Churches Founded In Syria: Inhabitants of a Commercial People Syria: Inhabitants of a Warlike People Syria: Inhabitants of an Idolatrous People Syria: Inhabitants of Called Syrians Syria: Inhabitants of Called Syrians of Damascus Syria: Inhabitants of Spoke the Syriack Language Syria: Israel Delivered Into the Hands of, for the Sins of Jehoahaz Syria: Israel Followed the Idolatry of Syria: Joined With Israel Against Ahaz and Besieged Jerusalem Syria: Joram King of Israel in Seeking to Recover Ramothgilead From, Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: And in the Title of Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Aram-Rehob, Also Called Beth-Rehob Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Aram-Zobah, Also Called, Zobah and Zoba Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Damascus Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Geshur Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Hamath Syria: More Properly the Country Around Damascus Syria: Originally Included Mesopotamia Syria: Paul Goes To, With Letters to Apprehend the Christians Syria: People of, Colonized in Samaria by the King of Assyria Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Burning of Damascus Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Ceasing to be a Kingdom Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Its Inhabitants Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Rezin King of Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its Calamities, the Punishments of Its Sins Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its History in Connection With the Macedonia Empire Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its Inhabitants to be Captives Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Plundering of Damascus Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Terror and Dismay In, Occasioned by Its Invasion Syria: Retook Elath and Drove out the Jews Syria: Subdued and Governed by the Romans Syria: Subdued and Its Inhabitants Taken Captive by Assyria Syria: The Fame of Jesus Extended Over Syria: The Israelites: At Peace With, for Three Years Syria: The Israelites: Craftily Drawn Into a League With Syria: The Israelites: Defeated By, and Ahab Slain Syria: The Israelites: Encouraged and Assisted by God Overcame a Second Time Syria: The Israelites: Forewarned of Invasion By, at the Return of the Year Syria: The Israelites: Harassed by Frequent Incursions of Syria: The Israelites: Heard the Secrets of, from Elisha Syria: The Israelites: Insignificant Before Syria: The Israelites: Under Ahab Encouraged and Assisted by God, Overcame Syria: The Israelites: Under Ahab Sought to Recover Ramoth-Gilead From Syria: The Roman Province of, Included the Land of Canaan Related Terms |