Chios
“Possibly from snow (referring to its mountains) or from mastic”
Summary
An island in the Aegean Sea near the coast of Asia Minor, passed by Paul during his voyage from Troas to Jerusalem.
☩Geography
Chios was one of the principal islands of the Ionian Archipelago, lying between Lesbos and Samos in the Aegean Sea, separated from the mainland of Asia Minor by a picturesque channel about six miles wide. The island, known in modern times as Scio, was about 32 miles long and varied from 8 to 18 miles in width. Its mountains were noted for their beauty, and the island was celebrated for its fertility, particularly its wine and mastic. It was one of the seven places claiming to be the birthplace of Homer.
☩Paul's Voyage
During Paul's last recorded voyage to Jerusalem, his ship passed by Chios after leaving Mitylene on Lesbos. After sailing about 50 miles, they anchored for the night near the Asian coast opposite Chios, then crossed to Samos the next day. At that time, Chios enjoyed the privilege of freedom under Roman rule. While Paul did not land there, Herod the Great had earlier visited the island, being detained by north winds, and contributed generously to restoring public works that had suffered in the Mithridatic war.
Related Verses1 mention
Acts· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Chios," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Chios," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Chios," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.George Morrish, "Chios," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).