Topical Encyclopedia Commerce, the activity of buying and selling, especially on a large scale, is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the economic practices of ancient societies. Several notable biblical figures were engaged in commerce, demonstrating its importance and the diverse roles it played in the lives of God's people.Abraham Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, is one of the earliest examples of a person engaged in commerce. His wealth is noted in Genesis 13:2, "And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold." Abraham's dealings with the Hittites for the purchase of the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah (Genesis 23:16) illustrate his engagement in commercial transactions, highlighting the use of silver as a medium of exchange. Joseph Joseph, the son of Jacob, rose to prominence in Egypt and played a crucial role in the economic life of the nation. As Pharaoh's second-in-command, Joseph managed the storage and distribution of grain during the seven years of famine (Genesis 41:56-57). His strategic planning and commercial acumen not only saved Egypt but also surrounding nations, demonstrating the impact of commerce on regional stability and prosperity. Solomon King Solomon is renowned for his wisdom and wealth, much of which was derived from extensive commercial enterprises. Solomon's trade alliances and maritime ventures are detailed in 1 Kings 10:22, "For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks." His commercial activities contributed to the prosperity and splendor of his reign, attracting visitors like the Queen of Sheba, who marveled at his wealth and wisdom (1 Kings 10:1-10). Lydia In the New Testament, Lydia is a notable example of a woman engaged in commerce. Described as a "seller of purple goods" in Acts 16:14, Lydia was a businesswoman from Thyatira who dealt in luxury textiles. Her conversion to Christianity and subsequent hospitality to Paul and his companions highlight the intersection of commerce and faith, as well as the role of women in the economic sphere of the early church. Paul The Apostle Paul, while primarily known for his missionary work, also engaged in commerce as a tentmaker. Acts 18:3 states, "And because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade." Paul's tentmaking not only provided for his needs but also served as a model for self-sufficiency and integrity in ministry, emphasizing the value of honest labor. Merchants and Traders Throughout the Bible, merchants and traders are frequently mentioned, reflecting the vibrant commercial activity of the ancient Near East. Proverbs 31:24 describes the virtuous woman as one who "makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes," illustrating the integration of commerce into daily life and the economy. These examples underscore the significance of commerce in biblical times, highlighting the diverse roles individuals played in economic activities. From patriarchs to apostles, commerce was a means of sustenance, influence, and service, woven into the fabric of biblical history and society. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 23:8Who has taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning city, whose merchants are princes, whose traffickers are the honorable of the earth? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Ministry of Paul in Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. Paul in Corinth. Paul in Athens. Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iv. The City of Benares. Of Civil Government. The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform Chatter xviii. The Great Immigration. Carey's Last Days The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ... Resources What are blue laws? What is a biblical view of blue laws? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Cyprus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is there such a thing as absolute truth / universal truth? | GotQuestions.org Commerce: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Commerce of the Jews: Checked in Jehoshaphat's Time Commerce of the Jews: Commenced After Their Settlement in Canaan Commerce of the Jews: Greatly Extended by Solomon Commerce of the Jews: Under Strict Laws Commerce: Articles of Blue Cloth Commerce: Articles of Bodies and Souls of Men Commerce: Articles of Chariots Commerce: Articles of Chest of Rich Apparel Commerce: Articles of Chests of Rich Apparel Commerce: Articles of Cinnamon Commerce: Articles of Clothes for Chariots Commerce: Articles of Embroidery Commerce: Articles of Frankincense Commerce: Articles of Iron and Steel Commerce: Articles of Peacocks Commerce: Articles of Perfumes Commerce: Articles of Precious Stones Commerce: Articles of Sweet Cane Commerce: Articles of Thyine Wood Commerce: Articles of White Wool Commerce: Articles of, Called: Merchandise Commerce: Articles of, Called: Wares Commerce: Called: Buying and Selling Commerce: Carried on by Egyptians Commerce: Carried on by Ethiopians Commerce: Carried on by Ishmaelites Commerce: Carried on by Means of Caravans Commerce: Carried on by Means of Ships Commerce: Carried on by Ninevites Commerce: Carried on by People of Tarshish Commerce: Carried on by People of Tyre Commerce: Carried on by Syrians Commerce: Denunciations Connected With Abuses of Commerce: Evil Practices Connected With Commerce: Illustrative of Intercourse With the Apostasy Commerce: Increased the Wealth of Nations and Individuals Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Chapmen Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Merchants Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Sellers and Buyers Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Traffickers Commerce: Persons of Distinction Engaged In Commerce: Success In, Led to Pride Commerce: The Barter of One Commodity for Another Commerce: The Exchange of Commodities for Money Commerce: Transportation of Passengers Related Terms |
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