Bible Dictionary
Explore biblical people, places, events, objects, ideas, and other terms. Search the dictionary directly, browse alphabetically, or narrow the list by category or Testament.
Phichol
People & Groups - Old Testament
Phichol was the chief captain of Abimelech’s army in Gerar. He appears in accounts concerning both Abraham and Isaac.
Phicol
People & Groups - Old Testament
Phicol, also called Phichol, was the military commander of Abimelech, king of Gerar. He was present when Abimelech made agreements with Abraham and Isaac concerning a well.
Philadelphia
Places & Geography - New Testament
Philadelphia was a city of Lydia in Asia Minor and one of the seven churches addressed in Revelation. The church there was commended for keeping Christ’s word and enduring faithfully.
Philemon
People & Groups - New Testament
Philemon was a Christian believer associated with the church at Colosse and known for hospitality and generosity. Paul appealed to him to receive Onesimus, his formerly runaway servant, as a brother in Christ.
Philemon, Epistle to
Scripture - New Testament
The Epistle to Philemon is Paul’s personal appeal on behalf of Onesimus, a servant who had become a Christian. Paul urged Philemon to receive him no longer merely as a servant, but as a beloved brother.
Philemon, The Epistle Of Paul To
Scripture - New Testament
Paul’s Epistle to Philemon was written during his imprisonment to reconcile Philemon with Onesimus. It demonstrates Christian brotherhood, forgiveness, humility, and loving appeal in dealing with a difficult personal matter.
Philetus
People & Groups - New Testament
Philetus was associated with Hymenaeus in teaching that the resurrection had already occurred. Paul warned that this error undermined faith and spread ungodliness in the church.
Philip
People & Groups - New Testament
Philip was the name of an apostle of Jesus and also of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven appointed in Jerusalem. The apostle brought Nathanael to Jesus; the evangelist preached in Samaria and instructed the Ethiopian official.
Philip The Evangelist
People & Groups - New Testament
Philip the Evangelist was one of the seven appointed to serve the Jerusalem church. After persecution scattered the believers, he preached in Samaria, led the Ethiopian official to faith in Christ, and later lived at Caesarea with his four prophetic daughters.
Philippi
Places & Geography - New Testament
Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia where Paul preached the gospel, Lydia believed, and Paul and Silas were imprisoned. A Christian church was established there, to which Paul later addressed the Epistle to the Philippians.
Philippians, Epistle to
Scripture - New Testament
The Epistle to the Philippians is Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi, written during imprisonment. It expresses affection and joy, thanks the believers for their support, encourages unity and humility, and calls them to steadfast Christian living.
Philippians, Epistle To The
Scripture - New Testament
Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians was written to a beloved church that had supported him in ministry. The letter combines thanksgiving and encouragement, urging believers to rejoice, stand firm, live humbly, and advance the gospel despite suffering.
PHILIPPIANS, THE EPISTLE TO THE
Scripture - New Testament
Philippians is Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. It is marked by affection, joy, encouragement to Christian unity and steadfastness, teaching about Christ’s humility, and gratitude for the believers’ fellowship and support.
Philistia
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Philistia was the coastal plain in the southwestern part of Canaan, extending along the Mediterranean. It was the homeland of the Philistines and included the region of their principal cities.
Philistines
People & Groups - Old Testament
The Philistines were a powerful people occupying the southwestern coast of Canaan, especially Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. They frequently fought Israel and were among its persistent enemies in the Old Testament.
PHILO, JUDAEUS
Other - Inter-testament
Philo Judaeus was a Jewish philosopher and scholar from Alexandria who lived around the time of Christ. He interpreted the Old Testament allegorically while combining Jewish belief with Greek philosophy, especially in his teaching about God, the world, humanity, and the Logos.
Philologus
People & Groups - New Testament
Philologus was a Christian believer in Rome whom Paul greeted in his letter to the Romans. He was associated with a house-church group there.
Philosophy
Doctrine & Theology - New Testament
Philosophy is the pursuit and systematic interpretation of wisdom and knowledge. Scripture presents human wisdom as needing to be tested by God’s truth, and Paul warned believers against teaching that could lead them away from Christ.
Phinehas
People & Groups - Old Testament
Phinehas was the name of Eleazar’s son, who zealously defended Israel’s holiness at Baal-peor and later served as priest, and also of Eli’s sinful son who died in battle with the Philistines. A third Phinehas was an ancestor of a priestly family.
Phlegon
People & Groups - New Testament
Phlegon was a Christian in Rome whom Paul greeted in his letter to the Romans. Nothing further is known about him from Scripture.
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