Libyan Light And Shade

World attention having been dramatically centred on Libya this year, there is special interest for the believer in tracing Bible references to that area of North Africa. What place has it held in earlier divine purpose? Will it have any significant part in the final great drama of Antichrist's and her Messiah?

Genesis 10:6 indicates that following the Flood the area of modern Libya was peopled by the family of Put (or Push) of the Hamitic line. Descendants of Cush, Mizraim and Put, three sons of Ham, occupied the North West Region of Africa, and gave their names to the ancient peoples of Ethiopia (Cush), Egypt (Mizraim) and Libya (Put). We read in Deut. 32:8 that "when the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when He separated the children of men, He set the bounds of the peoples according to the children of Israel". God's vast overview of all history could include the future of all nations in relation to His sovereign purposes. In all subsequent shifts of power, in complex changes through conquest and settlement, or defeat and exile, God maintains His universal control (see Ps. 78:5-7).

Over the centuries the peoples included in modern Libya have experienced many such changes, including colonization by Greeks and Romans, and in the ninth to eleventh centuries a massive influx of Arabic-speaking Semites. These still form the majority of the population, and are Sunni Muslims. Arabic is the official language and Islam the State religion of modern Libya.

Cyrene, which features of course in our New Testament, was the original capital of ancient Cyrenaica, now the easternmost province of modem Libya. Under Greek colonization it had been one of the great intellectual centres of the ancient world, and a large number of Jews lived there in New Testament times. Presumably Simon of Cyrene was a Jew from that city who was visiting Jerusalem at Passover time, when he was conscripted by Roman soldiers to bear the Lord's cross. It seems clear also that the Jews of Cyrene, like those of Alexandria, commanded an influential place in Judaism. Their representatives were identified among the religious leaders who disputed with Stephen (Acts 6:10).

On a happier note, there were devout men, both Jews and proselytes, from the parts of Libya about Cyrene who were in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:5,10). It seems reasonable to conclude that some of them believed the gospel that day, and were baptized and added to the church of God in Jerusalem. For Acts 11:20 confirms that some of the disciples scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen were men of Cyrene. When they reached Antioch they spoke the word of God not only to Jews, but also to Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus. "And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number that believed turned unto the Lord". A great church of God was established in Antioch, rich in spiritual gift and leadership, its prophets and teachers including Lucius of Cyrene. This church also became the base from which great outward missionary thrusts were launched into Asia Minor and Europe.

Scripture is silent about spiritual developments in Cyrene and surrounding areas following the Day of Pentecost, but other sources confirm a flourishing and extensive Christian witness leading to the founding of notable North African churches. We reflect sadly on the contrasting dominance of Islam in Libya today. Yet gospel messages are now regularly beamed into North Africa by radio. May the Lord the Spirit, in sovereign power and mercy, turn many Libyans from darkness to light through saving faith in the Lord Jesus!

What then of the prophetic word as it sheds light on the time of the end? Is Libya featured at all in that scenario?' We draw attention to an important reference in Daniel chapter 11. The latter section of this chapter focuses on the final phase of Antichrist's plan to destroy the nation of Israel. Daniel describes the conquering path of Antichrist as he dominates the Middle East situation (verses 40-42), and in verse 43 we read: "But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps".

Today's trends would lead us to expect that Libya may willingly cooperate with Antichrist in enmity against Israel. Her present place in the Arab League points clearly in that direction. As we continue to watch developments among such Middle Eastern States, we recognize God's sovereign control in fulfilment of the prophetic word.

unknown | Aug 1986
Focus