Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, cities often serve as significant backdrops for the lives and ministries of the saints. These urban centers are not only geographical locations but also spiritual battlegrounds where the saints of God live out their faith, face persecution, and spread the Gospel. The term "saints" in the Bible generally refers to those who are set apart for God, often synonymous with believers or the faithful.Jerusalem Jerusalem holds a central place in the biblical account as the city of David and the location of the Temple. It is here that many saints, including the prophets and apostles, carried out their ministries. In the New Testament, Jerusalem is the site of pivotal events such as the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the early church's formation. Acts 2:1-4 describes the day of Pentecost: "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Antioch Antioch in Syria is notable as the place where the followers of Jesus were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26). It was a major center for early Christianity and served as a launching point for missionary journeys, particularly those of the Apostle Paul. The church in Antioch was known for its diversity and missionary zeal, as seen in Acts 13:1-3, where the Holy Spirit calls Paul and Barnabas to their missionary work: "Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off." Ephesus Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor and a significant center for early Christianity. The Apostle Paul spent considerable time here, and it was the site of a strong church community. The Book of Ephesians, written by Paul, addresses the believers in this city, emphasizing themes of unity, spiritual warfare, and the mystery of the Gospel. Acts 19:8-10 records Paul's ministry in Ephesus: "Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But when some of them became obstinate and refused to believe, maligning the Way before the congregation, Paul withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, holding daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord." Corinth Corinth was another key city in the spread of Christianity. Known for its wealth and immorality, it was a challenging environment for the saints. The Apostle Paul established a church there and wrote at least two epistles to the Corinthians, addressing issues of division, immorality, and spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 1:2, Paul addresses the church: "To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours." Rome Rome, the heart of the Roman Empire, was a city of immense influence and power. The Apostle Paul longed to visit the believers there, as expressed in his epistle to the Romans. The church in Rome was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, and Paul's letter addresses key theological themes such as justification by faith and the righteousness of God. Romans 1:7 states, "To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." These cities, among others, played crucial roles in the lives of the saints and the spread of the Gospel. They were places where the early church faced challenges, experienced growth, and witnessed the transformative power of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:14You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints. Examples of Scripture Saints in Defence of Flight. The Coming of Christ was Predicted by the Prophets; and was ... The Security of Saints Amidst the Destruction of Sinners. Another Kind of Men Living Together in Cities. Fasts of Three Days ... There have Come to Me Ransomers from among the Saints, but None ... Of the Nature of the Two Cities, the Earthly and the Heavenly. He Fortifies his Opinions with Regard to the Temporal and Earthly ... The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints Of the Kings and Times of the Earthly City which were Synchronous ... Resources What were the cities of refuge in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were Admah and Zeboiim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus mention Tyre and Sidon in Luke 10:14? | GotQuestions.org Cities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cities of Refuge of the Hope of the Gospel Cities of Refuge: (The Way To) Christ Cities of Refuge: Afforded No Asylum to Murderers Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Easy of Access Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Open to all Manslayers Cities of Refuge: Strangers Might Take Advantage of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to not Protected Outside of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Obliged to Remain In, Until the High Priest's Death Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Were Put on Their Trial Cities were Called For: The Country in Which Built Cities were Called For: The Family of the Founder Cities were Called For: The Proprietor of the Land Cities were Frequently: Besieged Cities were Frequently: Burned Cities were Frequently: Depopulated Cities were Frequently: Made Heaps of Ruins Cities were Frequently: Pillaged Cities were Frequently: Razed and Sown With Salt Cities were Frequently: Stormed Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Famine Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Pestilence Cities: A Great Defence to a Country Cities: Afforded Refuge in Times of Danger Cities: Arranged in Streets and Lanes Cities: Artificial Mode of Supplying Water To Cities: Built in Desert Places Cities: Built in Pleasant Situations Cities: Built of Brick and Mortar Cities: Built of Brick and Slime Cities: Built of Stone and Wood Cities: Built with Compactness Cities: Built: Often of a Square Form Cities: Built: On Solid Foundations Cities: Designated as Merchant Cities: Designated as Treasure Cities: Designed for Habitations Cities: Different Kinds of Chariot Cities: Different Kinds of Commercial Cities: Different Kinds of Fenced Cities: Different Kinds of Levitical Cities: Different Kinds of Refuge Cities: Different Kinds of Royal Cities: Different Kinds of Store Cities: Different Kinds of Treasure Cities: Difficulty of Taking, Alluded To Cities: Government of, by Rulers Cities: Inhabitants of, Called Citizens Cities: Often Built to Perpetuate a Name Cities: Often Deserted on the Approach of an Enemy Cities: Often Fortified by Art Cities: Often Fortified by Nature Cities: Often Founded and Enlarged by Blood and Rapine Cities: Often Great and Goodly Cities: Often of Great Antiquity Cities: Prosperity of, Increased by Commerce Cities: Protected at Night by Watchmen Related Terms Chariot-cities (3 Occurrences) Treasure-cities (1 Occurrence) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) |
    |