Topical Encyclopedia Parthia, an ancient region located in what is now northeastern Iran, holds a significant place in biblical history and early Christian tradition. The Parthian Empire, known for its skilled horsemen and formidable archers, was a major political and military power from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. It played a crucial role in the geopolitics of the Near East during the time of the New Testament.Historical Context The Parthian Empire emerged as a dominant force after the decline of the Seleucid Empire, establishing itself as a rival to the Roman Empire. The Parthians were known for their unique style of warfare, particularly their cavalry tactics, which included the famous "Parthian shot," a technique of shooting arrows while retreating on horseback. The empire's influence extended across the Iranian plateau and into Mesopotamia, making it a significant player in the region during the time of Jesus and the early church. Parthia in the Bible Parthia is mentioned explicitly in the New Testament in the context of the Day of Pentecost. In Acts 2:9-11 , Parthians are listed among the diverse groups of Jews and proselytes present in Jerusalem who witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and heard the apostles speaking in their own languages: "Parthians, Medes, Elamites, residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" This passage highlights the widespread dispersion of Jewish communities throughout the known world, including Parthia, and underscores the universal reach of the gospel message. The presence of Parthians in Jerusalem during Pentecost suggests that the Jewish diaspora had extended into the Parthian Empire, and it is likely that some of these individuals carried the message of Christ back to their homeland. Cultural and Religious Influence The Parthian Empire was a melting pot of cultures and religions, with Zoroastrianism being the dominant faith. However, the empire's tolerance for diverse religious practices allowed for the presence of Jewish communities and, later, Christian groups. The Parthian influence on early Christianity is not extensively documented in the Bible, but historical records suggest that the region was one of the early areas of Christian missionary activity. The apostle Thomas is traditionally believed to have traveled eastward, possibly reaching as far as India, and it is conceivable that his journey took him through Parthian territories. The spread of Christianity into Parthia and beyond illustrates the fulfillment of Jesus' command to His disciples to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Parthia and the Roman Empire The relationship between Parthia and Rome was characterized by a series of conflicts and uneasy truces. The two empires vied for control over the territories of the Near East, with Parthia often serving as a counterbalance to Roman expansion. This geopolitical tension is reflected in the New Testament's depiction of the Roman world, providing a backdrop for the early church's mission and the spread of the gospel. In summary, Parthia's mention in the Bible, though brief, points to the far-reaching impact of the Jewish diaspora and the early Christian movement. The presence of Parthians at Pentecost serves as a testament to the diverse and expansive nature of God's redemptive plan, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. ATS Bible Dictionary ParthiaIs supposed to have been originally a province of Media, on its eastern side, which was raised into a distinct kingdom by Arsaces, B. C. 250. It soon extended itself over a great part of the ancient Persian Empire, and is frequently put for that empire in Scripture, and other ancient writings. Parthia maintained itself against all aggressors for nearly five hundred years, and was not subjugated even by the Romans; but in A. D. 226, one of the descendants of the ancient Persian kings united it to his empire, and Persia resumed it former name and dynasty. The Parthians were celebrated, especially by the poets, for a peculiarity of their mode of fighting on horseback, which consisted in discharging their arrows while they fled. They would seem to have borne no very distant resemblance to the modern Cossacks. It is said the Parthians were either refugees or exiles from the Scythian nations. Jews and proselytes from among them were present at Jerusalem at the Pentecost, Acts 2:9. Greek 3934. Parthos -- a Parthian, an inhabitant of Parthia ... a Parthian, an inhabitant of Parthia. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Parthos Phonetic Spelling: (par'-thos) Short Definition: a Parthian ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3934.htm - 6k Library How Artabanus, the King of Parthia Out of Fear of the Secret ... How Izates was Betrayed by his Own Subjects, and Fought against by ... The Parts of the World in which the Apostles Preached How Hyrcanus was Set at Liberty by the Parthians, and Returned to ... The Early History of Particular Churches. What Befell the Jews that were in Babylon on Occasion of Asineus ... The Prologue. The Gospel According to St. Matthew Vergilius had Thought Wisely of his Temptation. ... Fragment iv. On the Deluge. ... Thesaurus Parthia (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Parthia (1 Occurrence). Acts 2:9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia ... /p/parthia.htm - 6k Parthians (1 Occurrence) Arsaces Parteth (9 Occurrences) Armenia (2 Occurrences) Tryphon Thomas (12 Occurrences) Tiberius (1 Occurrence) Media (14 Occurrences) Cleopatra Resources Who was Thomas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Parthia (1 Occurrence)Acts 2:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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