Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

PONTUS

(Gk. Póntos)

A region in northeastern Asia Minor on the south shore of the Black Sea (Pontus Euxinus), with Galatia, Cappadocia, and Armenia bordering to the south. The region consists of narrow fertile coastal plains and rugged mountains to the interior that extend to portions of the coast. In ancient times these mountainous protrusions prevented a continuous coastal road, thus forcing people to travel by sea or inland roads. The coast was colonized by the Greeks ca. 700 b.c.e., with Sinope and Amisus the chief ports. The natives of the rugged interior were free from Greek influence, and had close ties with Armenia and Cappadocia. Important products of the region included corn, fruit, olives, and timber.

Pontus had been under the Assyrian, Hittite, Greek, and Persian empires before attaining independence under Mithradates I in 302. Mithradates VI Eupator led Pontus in three defensive wars against Rome, culminating in defeat by Pompey in 63 b.c.e. The Mithridatic dynasty ended with Caesar’s defeat of Pharnace II’s revolt in 47.

Judaism was widespread in Pontus by the NT era. Acts 2:9 confirms that some Jews from Pontus were in Jerusalem at Pentecost, thus taking the gospel back to the region. 1 Peter confirms the presence of Christians in Pontus and neighboring areas (1 Pet. 1:1-2).

Notable people from this region include Paul’s associate Aquila; Strabo the geographer, from the ancient capital Amasia; Aquila, a proselyte and contemporary of Hadrian, who translated the OT into Greek; Alexander of Abonuteichos, the founder of a pagan cult; and Carcion, from Sinope.

Bibliography. C. J. Hemer, “The Address of 1 Peter,” ExpT 89 (1977/78): 239-43.

Steven L. Cox

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

PONTUS

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)