Callisthenes
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Callisthenes in the Bible?
Callisthenes was an officer under Nicanor who was charged with burning the sacred portals of the temple during the desecration under Antiochus Epiphanes. He fled into an outhouse and was burned alive by the Jews after their victory over Nicanor's army.
SIGNIFICANCE
The account of Callisthenes provides historical context for the narrative in 2 Maccabees, illustrating the specific acts of sacrilege that provoked the Jewish resistance and highlighting the personal consequences faced by those who enforced Seleucid religious policies.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Callisthenes reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Callisthenes in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Callisthenes clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Callisthenes." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/callisthenes/