Topical Bible: Tyre: Christ: Visited the Coasts of

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Topical Encyclopedia

Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, holds significant historical and biblical importance. In the New Testament, Tyre is notably mentioned in the context of Jesus Christ's ministry. The city, known for its wealth and commerce, was a hub of trade and cultural exchange, and its influence extended throughout the region.

Biblical Account of Christ's Visit

The Gospels record that Jesus visited the region of Tyre during His earthly ministry. This visit is significant as it marks one of the few instances where Jesus traveled beyond the traditional boundaries of Jewish territory, indicating the broader scope of His mission. The account is found in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark.

In Matthew 15:21-28 , it is written: "Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And a Canaanite woman from that region came to Him, crying out, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.' But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, 'Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.' He answered, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' The woman came and knelt before Him. 'Lord, help me!' she said. But Jesus replied, 'It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.' 'Yes, Lord,' she said, 'even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.' 'O woman,' Jesus answered, 'your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire.' And her daughter was healed from that very hour."

Similarly, Mark 7:24-30 recounts: "Jesus left that place and went to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know He was there, yet He could not escape notice. Instead, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about Him and came and fell at His feet. Now she was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to drive the demon out of her daughter. 'First let the children have their fill,' He said, 'for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.' 'Yes, Lord,' she replied, 'even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.' Then Jesus told her, 'Because of this answer, you may go. The demon has left your daughter.' And she went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone."

Significance of the Visit

Jesus' interaction with the Syrophoenician woman in Tyre is a profound demonstration of His compassion and the universality of His message. Despite initially stating His mission was to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel," Jesus responds to the woman's faith, highlighting that God's grace extends beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries. This encounter foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant, a theme that becomes more prominent in the early Christian church.

The visit to Tyre also underscores the theme of faith. The woman's persistence and humility in seeking Jesus' help, despite cultural and religious barriers, exemplify the kind of faith that Jesus commends. Her acknowledgment of Jesus as "Lord" and "Son of David" reflects a recognition of His messianic identity, further emphasizing the reach of His reputation and the hope He brought to those outside Israel.

Cultural and Historical Context

Tyre's historical context as a Phoenician city known for its maritime prowess and economic strength provides a backdrop to the Gospel narratives. The city's wealth and influence are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, and its relationship with Israel was complex, marked by both cooperation and conflict. The presence of a Canaanite woman in the Gospel accounts highlights the diverse population of the region and the interactions between different cultures and religions.

In summary, Jesus' visit to the coasts of Tyre is a pivotal moment in the Gospels, illustrating the expansive reach of His ministry and the inclusive nature of His message. The account of the Syrophoenician woman's faith serves as a testament to the power of belief and the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile in the unfolding plan of salvation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 15:21
Then Jesus went there, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 7:24
And from there he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Feast of Tabernacles.
... After the discourse at Capernaum, the Savior visited the coasts of Tyre and Sidon ...
conversation in which Peter declares that "Jesus is the Christ the Son ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the feast of tabernacles.htm

The Last Journey from Galilee
... seventy went forth in His name, they visited, first of ... To reject the Lord's servants
is to reject Christ Himself ... the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 53 the last journey.htm

Letter of Julius to the Eusebians at Antioch.
... positively asserted that Macarius was kept at Tyre under a ... was the cause why those
who visited us came ... Bishops, and rejoice evermore in Jesus Christ our Lord ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter ii letter of julius to.htm

'Other Sheep'
... least one journey into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon ... for our work, till our keels
have visited, and the ... The limits of the visible community of Christ's Church to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/other sheep.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... with that grace that has laid hold on the man; and so Christ Jesus sows ... Jericho,
to Samaria, to the country of the Gadarenes, to the coasts of Tyre and Sidon ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... with that grace that has laid hold on the man; and so Christ Jesus sows ... Jericho,
to Samaria, to the country of the Gadarenes, to the coasts of Tyre and Sidon ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... the fellahin of the neighbourhood who have visited the rock ... earlier than the XVth
century before Christ, into an ... The Phoenicians of Tyre and Sidon had too many ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... or two Sons, and does not believe the one and the same Christ to be ... Ibas was examined,
from the action taken regarding Photius, bishop of Tyre, and Eustathius ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm