Spain
Summary
The Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, which Paul expressed his intention to visit after delivering the collection to Jerusalem.
☩Paul's Intended Mission
Spain represented the western limit of Paul's missionary vision. Writing to the Romans, Paul expressed his intention to visit Spain after completing his journey to Jerusalem with the collection for the saints. He planned to pass through Rome on his way west, hoping the Roman Christians would assist him on his journey to 'the parts beyond.'
☩Did Paul Reach Spain?
Whether Paul actually visited Spain remains uncertain. If he carried out this intention, it must have been after his release from his first Roman imprisonment. Clement of Rome, writing around AD 95, states that Paul reached 'the extreme limit of the West,' which to a Roman writer would naturally mean Spain. Early church tradition generally affirms the Spanish journey.
☩Historical Background
Spain was anciently called Iberia after the native population and the river Iberus (Ebro). The Carthaginians established many settlements on the Spanish coast, including Carthago (Cartagena) and Malacca (Malaga). Gades (Cadiz) was a Phoenician settlement. Under Roman rule, Spain became highly civilized, producing several emperors and famous writers. Jews had lived in Spain since early times, providing a natural starting point for Christian missions.
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Spain," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Spain," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Spain," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).