In 1Paralipomenon 8:28, called "Chief fathers and heads of their families who dwelt in Jerusalem." They are therefore founders and chief men of a clan. Thus of the Semites from Adam to Therah inclusively, there were nineteen patriarchs. With Abraham there begins another list of patriarchs of the Abrahamites. First there are the three great patriarchs, to whom all render special praise: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Our Lord gives these three special honor. Of Jacob sprang twelve sons, and twelve patriarchs, founders of the race of Israel. In Acts 2:29, David is called a patriarch, as a token of signal honor, and because he founded the Davidic dynasty of which is Christ.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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