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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Arsaces</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/a/arsaces.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/1-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/a/arsaces.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Arsaces</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/a/arrow-snake.htm" title="Arrow-snake">◄</a> Arsaces <a href="/topical/a/arsareth.htm" title="Arsareth">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Arsaces is a name of significant historical and cultural importance, primarily associated with the founding of the Parthian Empire. While the name does not appear directly in the canonical books of the Bible, understanding Arsaces and the Parthian Empire provides valuable context for the intertestamental period and the geopolitical landscape during the time of the New Testament.<br><br><b>Historical Background</b><br><br>Arsaces I was the founder of the Parthian Empire, which emerged in the mid-3rd century BC. The Parthian Empire became a major political and cultural power in ancient Persia, rivaling the Roman Empire to the west. Arsaces I led a successful revolt against the Seleucid Empire, establishing a dynasty that would last for nearly five centuries. The Arsacid dynasty, named after him, played a crucial role in the history of the Near East and influenced the regions surrounding Judea.<br><br><b>Parthians in the Bible</b><br><br>While Arsaces himself is not mentioned in the Bible, the Parthians are referenced in the New Testament. In the Book of Acts, during the account of Pentecost, Parthians are listed among the diverse groups present in Jerusalem:<br><br>"Parthians, Medes, Elamites, residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia" (<a href="/acts/2-9.htm">Acts 2:9</a>).<br><br>This mention highlights the widespread influence of the Parthian Empire and its interactions with the Jewish diaspora. The presence of Parthians in Jerusalem during Pentecost underscores the far-reaching impact of the Jewish faith and the early spread of Christianity.<br><br><b>Cultural and Religious Influence</b><br><br>The Parthian Empire, under the Arsacid dynasty, was known for its cultural diversity and religious tolerance. This environment allowed for the coexistence of various religious traditions, including Zoroastrianism, Hellenistic beliefs, and Judaism. The Parthians' approach to governance and religion may have indirectly influenced the Jewish communities within their realm, contributing to the complex tapestry of beliefs and practices encountered by early Christians.<br><br><b>Geopolitical Significance</b><br><br>The Parthian Empire's strategic location between the Roman Empire and the Indian subcontinent made it a crucial player in the politics and trade of the ancient world. The Parthians controlled key trade routes, including the Silk Road, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. This exchange would have had implications for the spread of religious beliefs, including Christianity, as merchants and travelers moved through Parthian territories.<br><br><b>Legacy</b><br><br>The legacy of Arsaces and the Parthian Empire is evident in the historical and cultural developments of the region. The Arsacid dynasty's ability to maintain a powerful empire in the face of Roman expansion is a testament to their military and diplomatic prowess. The Parthians' interactions with the Jewish people and early Christians provide a backdrop for understanding the complex dynamics of the ancient Near East during the time of the New Testament.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">ARSACES</span><p>ar-sa'-sez ar'-sa-sez (Arsakes): The common name assumed by all the Parthian kings, is mentioned in 1 Maccabees 14:1-3, and in 15:22 in connection with the history of Demetrius, one of the Greek, or Seleucid, kings of Syria, and successor to Antiochus Epiphanes, the oppressor of the Jews, who caused the uprising against the Syrian domination under the leadership of the Maccabees. This particular Arsaces was the sixth of the line of independent Parthian rulers which had been founded in 250 B.C. by Arsaces I, who revolted from Antiochus Theos, killed the Syrian satraps, and with his successor Tiridates I firmly established the independence of the Parthian kingdom. About 243 B.C., Tiridates added Hyrcania to his dominions; but it was not till the reign of Arsaces VI, whose pre-regnal name was Mithridates, that Parthia through the conquest of Bactria, Media, Persia, Armenia, Elymais and Babylonia, threatened the very existence of the kingdom of the Seleucids and became a dangerous competitor of Rome itself.<br><br>It was this king who about 141 B.C. was attacked by Demetrius Nicator, king of Syria. According to the account preserved in 1 Maccabees 14:1-3, Arsaces sent one of his captains, who went and smote the host of Demetrius, and took him alive, and brought him to Arsaces, by whom he was put in ward. At first, the captive king was treated with great severity, being carried in triumph from city to city and exhibited to his enemies. Later, however, Arsaces gave him his daughter in marriage and assigned him a residence in Hyrcania. Some time after the death of Arsaces, Demetrius was sent back to Syria by Phraates, the son of Mithridates, and reigned from 128 to 125 B.C. Arsaces VI is mentioned, also, in 1 Maccabees 15:22, as one of the kings whom the Romans forbade to make war on their Jewish allies.<br><br>LITERATURE.<br><br>See 1 Maccabees 14:1-3, and 15:22; Ant, XIII, v, 11; XIV, viii, 5; Appian, Syria, 67; Strabo, XI, 515; XV, 702; Justin, XLI, 5, 6; XXXVI, 1; Orosius, V, 4; Rawlinson's Parthia, in the Story of the Nations series and Die Herrschaft der Parther in Justi's Geschichte des alten Persiens in Oncken's Allgemeine Geschichte, I, 4.<br><br>R. Dick Wilson<p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_2_now_herod_and.htm"><span class="l">Now Herod and Philip Built Several Cities in Honor of Caesar. <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> that it was impossible they should be governed without a king, while also it was<br> their constant practice to choose one of the family of <b>Arsaces</b>, [nor did their <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 now herod and.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_8_hyrcanus_receives_the.htm"><span class="l">Hyrcanus Receives the High Priesthood, and Ejects Ptolemy Out of <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Nor is it lawful for us to journey, either on the Sabbath day, or on a festival<br> day [24] But when Antiochus joined battle with <b>Arsaces</b>, the king of Parthin, he <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 hyrcanus receives the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/unknown/recognitions_of_clement_/chapter_xlv_the_true_prophet_why.htm"><span class="l">The True Prophet: Why Called the Christ.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> But He is called Christ by a certain excellent rite of religion; for as there are<br> certain names common to kings, as <b>Arsaces</b> among the Persians, C??sar among <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xlv the true prophet why.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_5_how_trypho_after.htm"><span class="l">How Trypho after He had Beaten Demetrius Delivered the Kingdom to <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> ambassadors to him, and promised, that if he would come to them, they would deliver<br> themselves up to him, and assist him in fighting against <b>Arsaces</b>, [12] the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how trypho after.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/book_13_footnotes.htm"><span class="l">Book 13 Footnotes</span></a> <br><b>...</b> See concerning this matter a remarkable clause, Antiq. B. XVI. ch.11. sect.7. [12]<br> This king, who was of the famous race of <b>Arsaces</b>, is bethused to call them <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 13 footnotes.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maspero/history_of_egypt_chaldaea_syria_babylonia_and_assyria_v_9/chapter_iithe_last_days_of_2.htm"><span class="l">The Last Days of the Old Eastern World</span></a> <br>History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/a/arsaces.htm"><span class="l"><b>Arsaces</b></span></a><br><b>...</b> Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia <b>ARSACES</b>. ar-sa'-sez ar'-sa-sez (Arsakes):<br> The common name assumed by all the Parthian kings, is <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/arsaces.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/parthians.htm"><span class="l">Parthians (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> of the Seleucid kings of Syria, but revolted about 250 BC, in the reign of Antiochus<br> II (Theos), and gained their independence under the lead of <b>Arsaces</b> I who <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/parthians.htm - 16k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/tryphon.htm"><span class="l">Tryphon</span></a><br><b>...</b> In 138 BC Demetrius was captured by Mithridates I (<b>Arsaces</b>), king of Parthia (1<br> Maccabees 14:2). His brother, Antiochus VII (Sidetes), continued the struggle <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/tryphon.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/rages.htm"><span class="l">Rages (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Destroyed in Alexander's time, it was rebuilt by Seleucus Nicator (circa 300 BC),<br> who named it Europos. Later, <b>Arsaces</b> restored it and named it Arsacia. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rages.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/ragau.htm"><span class="l">Ragau (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Destroyed in Alexander's time, it was rebuilt by Seleucus Nicator (circa 300 BC),<br> who named it Europos. Later, <b>Arsaces</b> restored it and named it Arsacia. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/ragau.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/arsareth.htm"><span class="l">Arsareth</span></a><br>Arsareth. <b>Arsaces</b>, Arsareth. Arsenal . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARSARETH.<br> ar'-sa-reth. See ARZARETH. <b>Arsaces</b>, Arsareth. Arsenal . Reference Bible <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/arsareth.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/arrow-snake.htm"><span class="l">Arrow-snake (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br>Arrow-snake. Arrowsnake, Arrow-snake. <b>Arsaces</b> . Multi-Version Concordance <b>...</b><br> (DBY). Arrowsnake, Arrow-snake. <b>Arsaces</b> . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/arrow-snake.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/demetrius.htm"><span class="l">Demetrius (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> The tables were turned, and Demetrius, besieged in his camp and starved into submission,<br> was taken prisoner and sent to <b>Arsaces</b>, who held him captive until his <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/demetrius.htm - 17k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/a/arsaces.htm">Arsaces</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/arsaces.htm">Arsaces</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/arsenal.htm">Arsenal (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/arzareth.htm">Arzareth</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/a/arrow-snake.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Arrow-snake"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Arrow-snake" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/a/arsareth.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Arsareth"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Arsareth" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>