Palestine The name used to refer to Israel during New Testament times. Palestine is the land located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. Persia (puhr-zhuh) One of the greatest kingdoms during biblical times. Persia became a world power under Cyrus the Great and dominated the ancient Near East for nearly 200 years. Unlike the Assyrians and Babylonians before them, the Persians were tolerant of local religious beliefs. This policy resulted in the decision to allow the captured people of Judah to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.
Philippi (fi-lip-i) A town colony named after Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. Philippi had a several large theaters, public baths, town squares for businesses, and statues of Roman gods. The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Christians living there.
Philistia A nation located on the southern coast of Palestine in the early twelfth century B.C. The Philistines became one of Israel's chief enemies.
