Cappadocia, located in modern-day Turkey, is an area of great interest to Biblical scholars. Not only does it contain several sites mentioned in the Bible, but it is also home to a number of early Christian churches and monasteries. Here we take a look at the Biblical connections to this fascinating region.
Old Testament References
Cappadocia is first mentioned in the Old Testament in the book of Genesis, in the story of Joseph and his brothers. After Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt, they returned to their home in Cappadocia, bringing with them some of Joseph’s possessions.
The region is also mentioned in the book of Numbers, when the Israelites send twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan. The spies report back that the land is filled with giants, and that the people of Cappadocia are “strong and tall”.
Finally, Cappadocia is mentioned in the book of Jeremiah, in which the prophet predicts that the people of the region will be taken into captivity.
New Testament References
The New Testament makes several references to Cappadocia, most notably in the book of Acts. In Acts 2:9, we are told that the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in the “upper room of Cappadocia”.
Cappadocia is also mentioned in Acts 6:8, when the apostles send Stephen to preach the gospel to the people of Cappadocia. In Acts 16:6, we are told that Paul and Silas travelled to Cappadocia, and in Acts 17:6, we are told that Paul and his companions travelled through Cappadocia on their way to preach in Greece.
The Churches of Cappadocia
The churches of Cappadocia are a testament to the importance of the region in early Christian history. The most famous of these churches is the Church of the Holy Apostles, which was built in the 5th century and is said to have been the burial site of St. Andrew and St. Philip. The Church of St. John the Baptist, which was built in the 7th century, is another important site, and is believed to have been the burial site of St. John the Baptist.
The region is also home to several monasteries, most notably the Monastery of St. George and the Monastery of St. Gregory of Nyssa. Both of these monasteries were founded in the 5th century and are said to have been founded by St. Gregory of Nyssa himself.
Conclusion
Cappadocia is an important region for Biblical scholars, as it is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. The region is also home to several important early Christian churches and monasteries, which are a testament to the importance of the region in early Christian history.