(Hebrew: the strong)
City in Syria, the modern Ghuzzeh, 50 miles southwest of Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world, mentioned in Genesis 10, and first occupied by the Hevites. One of the five cities of the Philistines, who constantly molested the Jews, when Samson arose and avenged his people; Gaza was the scene of his last triumph and death (Judges 16). Mentioned in Acts 8, when the eunuch of Candace, Queen of Ethiopia, returning from Jerusalem where he had gone to worship, met Philip the Deacon and invited him into his chariot, that he might explain the writings of the prophet Isaias as they drove along; Philip "preached unto him Jesus," baptized him at his own request, "and the eunuch went on his way rejoicing."
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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