Topical Encyclopedia Xanthicus is a term that appears in historical and religious contexts, particularly in relation to the Jewish calendar and ancient historical records. It is not directly mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible, but it holds significance in understanding the historical and cultural backdrop of biblical events.Historical Context Xanthicus is the name of a month in the Macedonian calendar, which was used in various Hellenistic regions following the conquests of Alexander the Great. This calendar was prevalent in the Eastern Mediterranean and influenced the dating systems of several cultures, including the Jewish people during the Second Temple period. Xanthicus roughly corresponds to the latter part of March and the beginning of April in the Gregorian calendar. Jewish Calendar and Xanthicus In the Jewish calendar, which is lunisolar, the month that aligns with Xanthicus is Nisan. Nisan is a significant month in the Jewish religious year, as it marks the beginning of the ecclesiastical year and includes the observance of Passover (Pesach). Passover commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, a foundational event in Jewish history and theology. The synchronization of the Jewish and Macedonian calendars was particularly relevant during the Hellenistic period when Jewish communities were under the influence of Greek culture and governance. This cultural intersection is evident in the writings of Jewish historians such as Flavius Josephus, who often used the Macedonian calendar to date events in his works. Biblical Significance While Xanthicus itself is not mentioned in the Bible, understanding its place in the historical context aids in the study of biblical events and timelines. For instance, the events of the Passover and the subsequent crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which are central to the New Testament narrative, occur in the month of Nisan. The Berean Standard Bible provides accounts of these events in the Gospels, such as in Luke 22:1, which states, "Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching." Cultural and Religious Influence The use of the Macedonian calendar, including the month of Xanthicus, reflects the broader cultural and political influences on the Jewish people during the intertestamental period and the early years of the Roman Empire. This period was marked by significant interaction between Jewish and Hellenistic cultures, which is evident in various aspects of Jewish life, including language, architecture, and religious practices. Understanding the month of Xanthicus and its correlation with Nisan provides insight into the historical setting of the New Testament and the early Christian church. It highlights the intersection of Jewish tradition and the broader Greco-Roman world, a context that shaped the early Christian message and its dissemination throughout the Roman Empire. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia XANTHICUSzan'-thi-kus (Xanthikos): The name of a month which occurs in 2 Maccabees 11:30, 33, 38. It corresponds to Nisan (April) of the Jewish calendar. Library The Date of the Martyrdom. Martyrs of Palestine. ^ Again, in C??sarea, when the Persecution had Continued to the ... Concerning the Ten Plagues which came Upon the Egyptians. Maximinus C??sar Having Come at that Time into the Government... That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken ... Acts of the Holy Apostle Thomas, when He came into India, and ... Note 1 On Feast Days and Fast Days. How the Sedition was Again Revived Within Jerusalem and yet the ... Thesaurus Xanthicus... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia XANTHICUS. zan'-thi-kus (Xanthikos): The name of a month which occurs in 2 Maccabees 11:30, 33, 38. ... /x/xanthicus.htm - 6k Xerxes (24 Occurrences) Wrung (5 Occurrences) Manius Titus (15 Occurrences) Calendar Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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