Jump to: Hitchcock's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Candace is a title used to refer to the queen of the Ethiopians in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. The name "Candace" is not a personal name but rather a dynastic title, similar to "Pharaoh" in Egypt or "Caesar" in Rome. This title was used by the queens of the ancient African kingdom of Kush, located in what is now modern-day Sudan.Biblical Reference: The primary biblical reference to Candace is found in Acts 8:27. The passage describes an encounter between Philip the Evangelist and an Ethiopian eunuch, who was a high-ranking official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. The Berean Standard Bible states: "So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship." This encounter is significant in the early Christian church as it marks the spread of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community to the Gentiles. The Ethiopian eunuch, after being taught by Philip and understanding the prophecy of Isaiah, requests baptism and becomes one of the first recorded African converts to Christianity. Historical Context: The kingdom of Kush, where Candace reigned, was a powerful and wealthy civilization known for its trade and military prowess. The queens of Kush, often referred to as "Candace," wielded significant power and influence. The title "Candace" is believed to have been used for several centuries, indicating a matrilineal succession or a system where the queen mother held substantial authority. The mention of Candace in the Book of Acts highlights the interconnectedness of the ancient world, where trade routes and diplomatic relations extended from Africa to the Middle East and beyond. The Ethiopian eunuch's journey to Jerusalem for worship suggests the presence of Jewish communities or influence in Ethiopia, possibly due to the Queen of Sheba's historical visit to King Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 10. Theological Significance: The account of Candace's eunuch in Acts 8 underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel message. The eunuch's conversion and baptism by Philip signify the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers, fulfilling Jesus' command to be witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This narrative demonstrates the early church's mission to reach all nations, emphasizing that salvation through Christ is available to everyone, regardless of their background or status. Furthermore, the account of the Ethiopian eunuch serves as a testament to God's providence and the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding individuals to faith. Philip's divine appointment to meet the eunuch on the road to Gaza illustrates the importance of obedience to God's call and the role of believers in sharing the Gospel with others. Cultural Impact: The reference to Candace and her eunuch has had a lasting impact on Christian thought and African Christianity. It is often cited as evidence of the early presence of Christianity in Africa, predating the spread of Islam by several centuries. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world, traces its roots back to this biblical account, viewing the eunuch as a foundational figure in its history. In summary, Candace, as mentioned in the Book of Acts, represents a significant moment in the spread of Christianity and highlights the universal nature of the Gospel. Her court official's conversion is a powerful reminder of the reach and transformative power of God's word across diverse cultures and peoples. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary CandaceATS Bible Dictionary CandaceThe name of an Ethiopian queen, whose high treasurer was converted to Christianity under the preaching of Philip the evangelist, Acts 8:27. The Ethiopia over which she ruled was not Abyssinia, but that region of Upper Nubia called by the Greeks Meroe; and is supposed to correspond with the present province of Atbara, lying between thirteen and eighteen degrees north latitude. Extensive ruins found in this neighborhood, and along the upper valley of the Nile, indicate high civilization among the ancient Ethiopians. Pliny and Strabo inform us that for some time before and after the Christian era, Ethiopia Proper was under the government of female sovereigns, who all bore the appellation of Candace. Irenaeus and Eusebius ascribe to Candace's minister her own conversion to Christianity, and the promulgation of the gospel through her kingdom. Easton's Bible Dictionary The queen of the Ethiopians whose "eunuch" or chamberlain was converted to Christianity by the instrumentality of Philip the evangelist (Acts 8:27). The country which she ruled was called by the Greeks Meroe, in Upper Nubia. It was long the centre of commercial intercourse between Africa and the south of Asia, and hence became famous for its wealth (Isaiah 45:14).It is somewhat singular that female sovereignty seems to have prevailed in Ethiopia, the name Candace (compare "Pharaoh, " "Ptolemy, " "Caesar") being a title common to several successive queens. It is probable that Judaism had taken root in Ethiopia at this time, and hence the visit of the queen's treasurer to Jerusalem to keep the feast. There is a tradition that Candace was herself converted to Christianity by her treasurer on his return, and that he became the apostle of Christianity in that whole region, carrying it also into Abyssinia. It is said that he also preached the gospel in Arabia Felix and in Ceylon, where he suffered martyrdom. (see PHILIP.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CANDACEkan'-da-se (Kandake): Queen of the Ethiopians (Acts 8:27). Pliny states that the name Candace had already been borne for many years by the queens of Ethiopia (vi, 29). See ETHIOPIA. Her treasurer, "a eunuch of great authority," was baptized by Philip the Evangelist on his return from worshipping in Jerusalem. Greek 2582. Kandake -- Candace, a queen of Ethiopia ... Candace, a queen of Ethiopia. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Kandake Phonetic Spelling: (kan-dak'-ay) Short Definition: Candace Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2582.htm - 6k Library The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch. A Meeting in the Desert Philip, the Evangelist The Necessity of Faith for Justification Against Marcionists and Manich??ans. Philip and the Ethiopian The Statement of the Apostle, that all Things are of the Father by ... By the Sacrifices of the Old Testament, Men were Convinced of Sins ... Words of Counsel. Laymen Called to the Field of Missions. Thesaurus Candace (1 Occurrence)... It is somewhat singular that female sovereignty seems to have prevailed in Ethiopia, the name Candace (compare "Pharaoh, " "Ptolemy, " "Caesar") being a title ... /c/candace.htm - 8k Ethiopian (11 Occurrences) Can'dace (1 Occurrence) Treasurer (6 Occurrences) Queen (59 Occurrences) Eunuch (20 Occurrences) Treasure (66 Occurrences) Treasury (25 Occurrences) Philip (37 Occurrences) Ethiopia (26 Occurrences) Resources Who was the Ethiopian eunuch? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Philip in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was the Queen of Sheba? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Candace (1 Occurrence)Acts 8:27 Subtopics Related Terms |
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