Parthians
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Parthians in the Bible?
The Parthians were a people mentioned in Acts 2:9, representing Jews or proselytes residing in the regions encompassed by the Parthian Empire, which extended from the Euphrates River to the borders of India and the Oxus River.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Parthians clarifies the geographical scope of the early Christian witness in Jerusalem, as the presence of Jews from this powerful eastern empire demonstrates the widespread diaspora communities that heard the apostolic message on Pentecost.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Parthians reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Parthians in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Parthians clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Acts 2:9
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
"Parthians." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/parthians/