Bible Dictionary
Theatre
A theatre was a public place for dramatic performances or spectacles. In the New Testament, a theatre at Ephesus became the gathering place during the riot connected with Paul’s ministry.
Definition
A theatre was a place where dramatic performances were exhibited and could also mean the spectacle or scene witnessed there.
Biblical Usage
In Acts, the theatre at Ephesus was the place to which the crowd gathered during the disturbance connected with Paul’s ministry. In 1 Corinthians, the term refers to a spectacle or public display.
Historical Background
The theatre at Ephesus was a magnificent structure capable of accommodating about 56,700 people. Its ruins still existed, and theatres as places of amusement were unknown to the Jews.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Only mentioned in Acts 19:29, 31. The ruins of this theatre at Ephesus still exist, and they show that it was a magnificent structure, capable of accommodating some 56,700 persons. It was the largest structure of the kind that ever existed. Theatres, as places of amusement, were unknown to the Jews.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
For the explanation of the biblical allusions, two or three points only require notice. The Greek term, like the corresponding English term, denotes the place where dramatic performances are exhibited, and also the scene itself or spectacle which is witnessed there. It occurs in the first or local sense in (Acts 19:29) The other sense of the term “theatre” occurs in (1 Corinthians 4:9)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>the'-a-ter (Ac 19:29,31).</p><p>See GAMES.</p>