Lysanias
Lysanias was a ruler of Abilene named in Luke 3:1 as part of Luke’s dating of John the Baptist’s ministry.
At a Glance
A first-century ruler of Abilene mentioned by Luke to place John the Baptist’s ministry in historical context.
Key Points
- Named in Luke 3:1
- Associated with Abilene
- Serves as part of Luke’s chronological setting
- No separate doctrinal teaching is attached to him in Scripture.
Description
Lysanias is named in Luke 3:1 in Luke’s dating of the word of God coming to John the Baptist. Luke places this event alongside other rulers and territories, showing his concern to locate the Gospel account in real history. Scripture gives no extended account of Lysanias and no direct theological teaching about him beyond this historical reference. The entry is best classified as a biblical/historical person rather than a theological term.
Biblical Context
Luke 3:1 lists Lysanias alongside other rulers in the political setting at the start of John the Baptist’s public ministry. His mention helps mark the transition into the Gospel events that follow.
Historical Context
Lysanias is best understood as a historical ruler connected with Abilene in Luke’s chronological introduction. The reference is brief and functions primarily as a date marker within the wider political landscape of the period.
Jewish and Ancient Context
Luke’s mention reflects the common ancient practice of dating events by rulers and territories. It also shows the biblical writer’s interest in presenting salvation history within ordinary historical coordinates.
Primary Key Texts
- Luke 3:1
Original Language Note
The Greek form is Λυσανίας (Lysanias).
Theological Significance
Lysanias has little direct theological significance in himself, but his inclusion supports Luke’s presentation of the Gospel as grounded in real history.
Philosophical Explanation
This is a proper name, not an abstract theological concept. Its value is historical and literary: it helps anchor the biblical narrative in identifiable time and place.
Interpretive Cautions
Do not build doctrine from Lysanias. The text uses him as a chronological marker, so the safest reading stays close to Luke 3:1 without speculation.
Major Views
Readers and historians sometimes discuss how to identify the Lysanias mentioned by Luke, but the dictionary entry should remain focused on Luke’s own reference and avoid overextending the evidence.
Doctrinal Boundaries
No doctrine depends on Lysanias. The entry should not be used to support speculative claims beyond Luke’s historical dating.
Practical Significance
The mention of Lysanias reminds readers that the New Testament presents Jesus’ and John the Baptist’s ministry within real historical settings, not mythic time.
Related Entries
- Abilene
- John the Baptist
- Luke
- Luke 3:1
See Also
- Herod Antipas
- Philip the tetrarch
- Tiberius Caesar