Italy
Summary
The peninsula of which Rome was the capital, mentioned in connection with Paul's voyage and the early spread of Christianity.
☩Geographic Description
Italy is the well-known peninsula between the Alps and the Straits of Messina, of which Rome was the capital. The name was originally applied only to the southern portion, but by New Testament times it designated the whole natural peninsula in its true geographical sense. It was the center of the Roman Empire and the political heart of the Mediterranean world.
☩New Testament References
Italy appears in connection with Paul's voyage as a prisoner to Rome, where he appealed to Caesar. The Italian cohort at Caesarea, to which Cornelius belonged, illustrates the military connections between the imperial peninsula and the provinces. Aquila and Priscilla came from Italy after Claudius expelled Jews from Rome. The greeting 'they of Italy salute you' in Hebrews indicates the spread of Christianity in the West.
☩Jewish Population
Italy contained a significant Jewish population, particularly in Rome, dating from the time of Pompey's prisoners from Jerusalem. This community made many proselytes and was the seedbed for early Christianity in the West. The expulsion under Claudius was temporary, and the Jewish community continued to flourish and provide the first converts to Christianity in Rome.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Italy," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Italy," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).