Delos
LocationsGeographical Setting
Delos is a small, rocky island in the central Aegean Sea, historically renowned as the sacred birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and a major commercial hub in antiquity.
What is the meaning of Delos in the Bible?
Delos is an island in the Aegean Sea, known for its ancient temples and oracle, which was a major center of worship for Apollo and Artemis. The island was also a significant commercial port and slave market.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Delos provides context for the New Testament account in Acts 14:11-13, where the people of Lystra mistake Paul and Barnabas for Zeus and Hermes, reflecting the pervasive influence of Greek mythology and pagan worship practices in the first-century Mediterranean world.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Delos in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Delos 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.