Bible Dictionary

Spain

Places & Geography • New Testament

Spain was the western country Paul intended to visit after traveling to Rome. It was associated with the distant western region known in earlier Scripture as Tarshish.

Definition

Spain was the western country Paul intended to visit after reaching Rome. In the ancient world it was also associated with the region called Tarshish, a name that probably preceded the wider use of Spain’s classical designation.

Biblical Usage

Paul expressed his intention to visit Spain after ministering in Rome. The supplied material gives no certain evidence that he fulfilled this intention, though the possibility is noted. The reference also implies that a Christian community may already have existed there.

Historical Background

Tarshish, identified with the Greek Tartessus, probably served as the local designation until knowledge of the Roman wars in the region caused Spain’s classical name to prevail in the East. Clement of Rome described Paul as reaching the extreme limit of the West.

Scripture References

Romans 15:24 Romans 15:28 1Macc 8:3

Historical Bible Dictionaries

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Paul expresses his intention (Rom. 15:24, 28) to visit Spain. There is, however, no evidence that he ever carried it into effect, although some think that he probably did so between his first and second imprisonment. (See TARSHISH.)

Smith's Bible Dictionary

1 Macc. 8:3; (Romans 15:24,28) The local designation, Tarshish, representing the Tartessus of the Greeks, probably prevailed until the fame of the Roman wars in that country reached the East, when it was superseded by its classical name. The mere intention of St. Paul to visit Spain (whether he really did visit it is a disputed question.—ED.) implies two interesting facts, viz., the establishment of a Christian community in that country, and that this was done by Hellenistic Jews resident there. The early introduction of Christianity into that country is attested by Irenaeus and Tertullian.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)

<p>span (Spania): The country in the Southwest of Europe which still bears this name. It was Paul's purpose, as stated in Ro 15:24,28, to visit Spain. If, as is probable, he ultimately carried out this intention, it must have been after a release from his first imprisonment. Clement of Rome speaks of the apostle as having reached "the extreme limit of the West" (Epistle of Clement, v).</p><p>See PAUL, THE APOSTLE; TARSHISH.</p>

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