Topical Encyclopedia Tripolis, a name meaning "three cities," refers to several ancient cities in the Mediterranean region. While not directly mentioned in the Bible, Tripolis holds historical and geographical significance in the context of biblical lands and early Christian history.Geographical Context 1. Tripolis in Phoenicia: Located on the coast of modern-day Lebanon, this Tripolis was an important Phoenician city. It served as a confederation of three cities: Tyre, Sidon, and Aradus. The city was a center of trade and commerce, benefiting from its strategic coastal position. Although not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its proximity to significant biblical locations like Tyre and Sidon (Matthew 11:21-22: "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.") suggests its relevance in the broader biblical narrative. 2. Tripolis in Libya: Known today as Tripoli, this city was part of the region of Cyrenaica in North Africa. Cyrene, a nearby city, is mentioned in the New Testament. Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry the cross of Jesus (Mark 15:21: "Now Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross."). The presence of a Jewish community in Cyrene, as noted in Acts 2:10, suggests that Tripolis may have had interactions with early Christian communities. 3. Tripolis in Syria: This city was located inland, near the Orontes River. It was part of the Seleucid Empire and later the Roman Empire. While not directly mentioned in the Bible, its location in Syria places it within the context of early Christian missionary journeys and the spread of the Gospel. Historical and Cultural Significance Tripolis, particularly the one in Phoenicia, played a role in the cultural and economic exchanges of the ancient Mediterranean world. The Phoenicians were known for their seafaring and trade, which facilitated the spread of ideas and goods across the region. This cultural exchange would have indirectly influenced the regions mentioned in the Bible, contributing to the diverse backdrop of the New Testament world. Early Christian Influence The spread of Christianity in the first few centuries after Christ likely reached the regions surrounding Tripolis. The presence of Jewish communities in these areas, as well as their connections to major trade routes, would have provided opportunities for the dissemination of the Gospel. The early church's mission to spread the message of Christ "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.") would have naturally included regions like those surrounding Tripolis. Conclusion While Tripolis is not directly mentioned in the biblical text, its historical and geographical context provides insight into the world of the Bible. Its role as a hub of trade and culture in the ancient Mediterranean underscores the interconnectedness of the regions that shaped the early Christian narrative. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TRIPOLIStrip'-o-lis (Tripoils, "triple city"): Demetrius the son of Seleucus, having fled from Rome, collected "a mighty host and fleet," sailed into the haven of Tripoils, took the city, obtained possession of the country, and put to death his cousin, Antiochus V, along with his guardian Lysias (2 Maccabees 14:1;; Josephus, Ant, XII, x, 1). After a period of unsuccessful guerrilla warfare against Hyrcanus in Samaria, Antiochus Cyzicenus retired to Tripells (Ant., XII, x, 2). The city was founded by the Phoenicians and was a member of the Phoenician league. It was divided into 3 quarters by walls-hence, the name "triple city"-and these were occupied by settlers from Tyre, Sidon, and Aradus, respectively. The federal council of these states sat here. Its position on the Phoenician seacoast, with easy access to the interior, gave it many advantages from the commercial point of view. The Seleucid monarchs, the Romans, and Herod the Great did much to beautify the city; the last-named building a gymnasium (Josephus, BJ, I, xxi, 11). When attacked by the Arabs the inhabitants took ship and escaped. Later their places were taken by Jews and Persians. Captured by the Crusaders in 1109, it was taken by the Egyptians in 1289. The ancient city was surrounded on three sides by the sea. The site is now occupied by el-Mina, the harbor of the modern city, Tarabulus, which stands on the bank of Nahr Kadisha, about 2 miles away. The inhabitants number about 23,000. The town gives its name to a district under the vilayet of Beirut, which has always been famous for its fruitfulness. Library Journey from Tripolis. The Third Day in Tripolis. Farewell to Tripolis. Peter's Arrival at Tripolis. Peter Goes to Byblus and Tripolis. Bishops, Presbyters, Deacons, and Widows Ordained at Tripolis. Halt at Dora. Natalis of Oea Said: "It is not Only I Myself who am Present... The Clementine Homilies The Letter of Arius to Eusebius, Bishop of Nicomedia Thesaurus Tripolis... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia TRIPOLIS. trip'-o-lis (Tripoils, "triple city"): Demetrius the son of Seleucus, having fled from ... /t/tripolis.htm - 7k Phoenicians Phoenicia (6 Occurrences) Lebanon (66 Occurrences) Orthosia Arvad (2 Occurrences) Arvadites (1 Occurrence) Trip (4 Occurrences) Zemarite (2 Occurrences) Tripping (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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