Page 132 - Biblical Backgrounds

have come to the island around 1200 BC. Other populations were present as well, such as the Romans
and travelers. 172

Asia Minor:
What is now called Asia Minor was called by a different
name at the time of Paul. The region known as Asia
Minor is surrounded by seas on three sides and straits
on the other. The Western border is the Aegean Sea,
and the Eastern is the Straits. The Northern border is
the Black Sea, and the Southern border is the
Mediterranean Sea.

Asia Minor is a mountainous plateau. In the south, the
mountains go right to the seafront. In other areas,
there are gradual inclines to the mountains with valleys
scattered throughout.

One important point regarding location is that the seven churches in the book of Revelation are located
in cities in Asia Minor. 173 These cities are Pergamus, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Smyrna, Ephesus, and
Laodicea (Revelation 2-3). Each city has a history and culture that will help pastors understand the
culture and its implications for understanding scripture.

Governments:

Cypress:
174 The Island of Cyprus has changed hands many
times during its history. It was once ruled by its
own king. The Ptolemies came to possess it but
gave it to Rome later. It was later under their
control again and eventually came under Roman
rule again in 22BC. It remained under Rome
during the time of Paul’s first missionary journey
in 45AD. The name of the Proconsul of the time
was

Sergius Paulus. He is named in Acts 13:6-12 and in
archeological evidence. The stone below was found bearing
his name and is from the correct period and location. He
was converted when Paul blinded the sorcerer by the power
of God. Raphael created the gorgeous painting to the right

172 Ibid, p. 496.
173 Ibid, p. 513.
174 https://biblearchaeologyreport.com/2019/11/15/sergius-paulus-an-archaeological-biography/

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