Phoenicia
LocationsGeographical Setting
Phoenicia was a maritime civilization of city-states situated along the eastern Mediterranean coast during the Iron Age.
What is the meaning of Phoenicia in the Bible?
An ancient maritime civilization located along the coast of the Levant. It was renowned for its skilled sailors, purple dye production, and the establishment of colonies like Carthage.
SIGNIFICANCE
Its role as a trade nexus explains the movement of people and ideas across the Mediterranean during the apostolic era. In Acts 21:2, it marks a key geographic waypoint in Paul's coastal travels.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Phoenicia (located near modern Coastal Lebanon, northern Israel, and southern Syria) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Phoenicia in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Phoenicia clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Acts 21:2
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.
How to Cite This Entry
"Phoenicia." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/phoenicia/