Cyrene
LocationsGeographical Setting
Cyrene was a prominent ancient Greek city-state located in the region of Cyrenaica in modern-day northeastern Libya.
What is the meaning of Cyrene in the Bible?
Cyrene was a major Greek colony in North Africa, founded by settlers from Thera around 630 BCE under the leadership of Battus I, and it became renowned for its agricultural wealth, particularly silphium, and its intellectual contributions to Hellenistic culture.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Cyrene clarifies the geographical context of the early Christian church in Acts 11:20 and the presence of Cyrenians in Jerusalem during Pentecost (Acts 2:10), illustrating the extensive diaspora communities that facilitated the spread of the Gospel beyond Judea.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Cyrene in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Cyrene clarify?
Related Topics
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.