Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

PUBLIUS The prefect of Melita when Paul was shipwrecked on that island A. D. 60, Mal 28:7-9 . Publius received the apostle and his company into his house, and entertained them with great humanity. The governor’s father, dangerously sick, and many others ill of various diseases, were miraculously healed; and their hospitable care of Paul … Continue reading “Publius”

Publishing PUBLISHING (, fr. , a herald).It is a principle in the Divine economy for God to withdraw Himself from the perception of man, except in so far as the latter is able to receive a Divine revelation to his profit (Isa 45:15; Isa 53:1, Mat 7:6). It is not that God is unwilling to … Continue reading “Publishing”

Publish “to be a herald, to proclaim, preach,” is translated “to publish” in Mar 1:45; Mar 5:20; Mar 7:36; Mar 13:10, AV (RV, “preached”); Luk 8:39. See PREACH, PROCLAIM. “to bear through,” is translated “was published” in Act 13:49, AV (RV, “was spread abroad”). See BETTER (be), No. 1. “to become, come to be,” is … Continue reading “Publish”

Publicity, Epistemic (a) In the strict sense, publicity pertains to such data of knowledge as are directly and identically accessible to more than one knowing subject. Thus epistemological monism may assert the publicity of sense data, of universals, of moral and aesthetic values and even of God. See Epistemological Monism. (b) In a less exact … Continue reading “Publicity, Epistemic”

Publicans The persons who farmed the taxes levied by the Romans, a certain sum being payable for each district. These then farmed out smaller portions to others, or engaged them to collect the money. The whole system was bad, and was capable of abuse by the collectors demanding more than they should. The counsel given … Continue reading “PUBLICANS”

Publicani English Waldenses (q.v.), of whom Rapin, in relating the transactions of the councils of Henry II, gives the following account, on the authority of archbishop Usher: Henry ordered a council to meet at Oxford in 1166, to examine the tenets of certain heretics, called Publicani. Very probably they were disciples of the Waldenses, who … Continue reading “Publicani”

PUBLICAN An officer of the revenue, employed in collecting taxes. Among the Romans there were two sorts of tax-gatherers; some were general receivers, who in each province had deputies; they collected the revenues of the empire, and accounted to the emperor. These were men of great consideration in the government; and Cicero says that among … Continue reading “Publican”

Public Worship is the service of the different religious bodies open to all worshippers, and is so designated in distinction from minor services intended simply as auxiliaries to the devoted in their religious life. It is usually supposed to be a service under charge of clergy, though it need not be thus limited. It is … Continue reading “Public Worship”

Public Schools, Bible in A ground of contention wherever superintendents of schools have sought to impose the reading of the Bible to the pupils as a daily or frequent exercise. It is considered inconsistent with the non-sectarian policy of the schools. It is opposed by non-Christian parents as proselytism for the Christian religion; by Jews, … Continue reading “Public Schools, Bible in”

Public, Publicly “belonging to the people” (demos, “the people”), is translated “public” in Act 5:18, RV, “public (ward),” AV, “common (prison).” see OPENLY, No. 2. Note: For a form of demosios used as an adverb, “publicly,” see OPENLY, Note (4). Fuente: Vine’s Dictionary of New Testament Words