Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Mestrezat, Jean a distinguished French Protestant theologian, was born at Geneva in 1592. He studied theology at Saumur, and was in 1615 appointed pastor at Charenton, near Paris, which position he held until his death, May 2, 1657. He took part in the national synod held at Charenton in 1623, and presided over that of … Continue reading “Mestrezat, Jean”

Messmer, Joseph Anton a Roman Catholic theologian of Germany, was born October 17, 1829, and died at Munich, December 23, 1879, doctor and professor of theology. He published, Ueber den Ursprung, die Entwickelung und Bedeutung der Basilika in der christlichen Baukunst (Leipsic, 1854): Johann Michael Sailer (Mannheim, 1875 ): Dr. Joseph. Hubert Reinkens, katholischer Bischof … Continue reading “Messmer, Joseph Anton”

Messingham, Thomas Hagiologist, born Ireland; died 1638. He was educated at the Irish College, Paris, of which he became a staff member. In 1620 he published offices of Sain Patrick, Saint Brigid, Saint Columba, and other Irish saints. The following year he was made rector of the Irish College. Appointed prothonotary Apostolic, he represented many … Continue reading “Messingham, Thomas”

Messina, Antonello da Born at Messina, about 1430; died 1497. After studying for some time in Sicily he crossed over to Naples, where, we are told, he became the pupil of an unknown artist, Antonio Colantonio. It was here, according to Vasari, that Messina, on seeing a painting of John Van Eyck, belonging to Alphonsus … Continue reading “Messina, Antonello da”

Messina, Antonella Da an Italian painter, was born at Messina some time between 1414 and 1426: studied in the Netherlands in the school of Johann van Eyck, where he learned the secret of the preparation and use of oil-colors, and spread the knowledge of it afterwards among the Venetians. Authors differ widely as to this … Continue reading “Messina, Antonella Da”

Messina (MESSINENSIS) Located in Sicily. The city is situated, in the shape of an amphitheatre, along the slope of the Hills of Neptune, on an inlet of the sea at the Strait of Messina, which separates Sicily from the peninsula. Its harbour, with its size and fine situation, is one of the most important in … Continue reading “Messina”

Messias A Hebrew word, meaning “anointed.” The Greek translation is christos, whence our word Christ. The Hebrew is more closely transliterated as “Messiah.” Kings, like priests, were anointed in Israel; and the future king, who was to be the Saviour of His people and the world, came to be spoken of as “the Anointed One.” … Continue reading “Messias”

Messianic Hope By way of supplement to the article MESSIAH SEE MESSIAH (q.v.), we give in general outlines a history of the expectation of the Messiah as developed in the apocalyptic writings. Of the deepest influence upon the development of the messianic idea were the prophecies of Daniel, the essence of which is the reign … Continue reading “Messianic Hope”

Messiahs, False Jesus warned his disciples that false Christs should arise (Mat 24:24), and the event has verified the prediction. No less than twenty-four such impostors have been enumerated as having appeared in different places and at different times; and even this does not exhaust the list. One by the name of Simeon was the … Continue reading “Messiahs, False”

MESSIAH OR MESSIAS Anointed, a title given principally, or by way of eminence, to that sovereign Deliverer promised to the Jews. They were accustomed to anoint their kings, high priests, and sometimes prophets, when they were set apart to their office; and hence the phrase, “to anoint” for an employment, sometimes signifies merely a particular … Continue reading “MESSIAH OR MESSIAS”