The Spaniards, or the inhabitants of Hispania (modern-day Spain and Portugal), were part of the Roman Empire during the New Testament era. While Spain is not explicitly mentioned in biblical narratives, Paul expresses his intention to travel to Spain to proclaim the Gospel, stating:
“I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.” (Romans 15:24, 28)
Although the New Testament does not record Paul’s journey to Spain, early Church tradition suggests that he may have traveled to Hispania before his final imprisonment and martyrdom in Rome. Understanding the history, geography, and cultural background of the Spaniards provides valuable insight into their biblical significance and potential role in early Christianity.
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Historical Background and Origins
The Spaniards (Hispani) were a diverse people with Iberian, Celtic, Phoenician, and Roman influences, with a history that includes:
- The Iberians and Celts (Pre-9th century BC) – Indigenous Iberian and Celtic tribes inhabited Spain before the rise of major civilizations.
- Phoenician and Carthaginian Influence (9th–3rd century BC) – The Phoenicians established trading colonies such as Gades (modern Cádiz), and Carthage later dominated parts of southern Spain.
- Roman Conquest of Hispania (2nd–1st century BC) – Rome fought the Punic Wars against Carthage, gaining control over Spain and making it a Roman province in 19 BC under Augustus Caesar.
- Romanization of Spain (1st century BC–New Testament period) – By Paul’s time, Spain had become thoroughly Romanized, with Latin as the dominant language and Roman law and culture fully established.
By the New Testament era, Spain was an integral part of the Roman Empire, with many Spaniards serving in Roman politics, military, and commerce.
Geography and Political Influence
Spain (Hispania) was divided into three Roman provinces during the New Testament period:
- Hispania Baetica – The southern region, including Córdoba and Seville, rich in trade and agriculture.
- Hispania Lusitania – Corresponding to modern Portugal, known for its mineral wealth and Roman settlements.
- Hispania Tarraconensis – The largest province, covering the northern and eastern regions, with Tarraco (modern Tarragona) as its capital.
Major cities in Roman Hispania included:
- Tarraco (Tarragona) – The provincial capital and a major Roman administrative center.
- Carthago Nova (Cartagena) – A wealthy trade city, originally a Carthaginian stronghold.
- Corduba (Córdoba) – The birthplace of the philosopher Seneca, showcasing Spain’s intellectual influence.
- Emerita Augusta (Mérida) – A military colony and later a major Christian center.
Hispania’s strategic location between Europe and Africa made it a hub for commerce, culture, and military influence, making it a logical next step for Paul’s missionary work.
Religious Beliefs and Practices
Before Christianity, the Spaniards practiced a mix of Iberian, Celtic, and Roman religious traditions, including:
- Iberian and Celtic Polytheism – Early Spaniards worshiped nature gods, war deities, and ancestral spirits.
- Phoenician and Carthaginian Deities – Baal and Melqart, gods of Tyre and Carthage, were widely revered.
- Roman Religion and Emperor Worship – Under Rome, the Spaniards adopted the worship of Jupiter, Mars, Venus, and the deified emperors.
- Philosophical and Mystery Religions – Stoicism, Mithraism, and the cult of Isis influenced educated Spaniards.
Despite their pagan traditions, many Spaniards were Roman citizens, making them open to new philosophical and religious ideas, including Christianity.
The Spaniards in the Bible
Though Spain is not explicitly featured in biblical events, Paul’s reference in Romans 15 suggests that Spain was on the verge of hearing the Gospel.
- Paul’s Intention to Preach in Spain (Romans 15:24, 28)
- Paul wanted to visit Spain after preaching in Rome, expanding Christianity further westward.
- This aligns with Jesus’ command to spread the Gospel to “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
- Uncertainty About Paul’s Journey to Spain
- The New Testament does not confirm whether Paul ever reached Spain.
- However, early Church writings, such as those from Clement of Rome (c. AD 96) and the Muratorian Canon, suggest that Paul did travel to Spain.
While not conclusive, these references indicate that Paul’s missionary efforts may have extended into the Iberian Peninsula, introducing Christianity to Spain in the first century.
Interactions with Jesus and His Disciples
Though Jesus never traveled to Spain, His teachings directly influenced Paul’s desire to bring the Gospel westward. Key connections include:
1. The Great Commission and the Call to the Nations (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8)
- Jesus commanded His disciples to take the Gospel to all nations, including the westernmost regions of the Roman world.
- Spain, at the farthest edge of the empire, was one of the next logical mission fields.
2. Paul’s Commitment to Reach New Territories (Romans 15:20-21)
- Paul expressed his missionary zeal, stating:“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known.” (Romans 15:20)
- His reference to Spain shows that he saw it as an unreached region in need of the Gospel.
Though Paul’s journey to Spain is unverified, the fact that he intended to go suggests that Spain was on the horizon of early Christian expansion.
Significance in Church History and Prophecy
Spain became an important center of early Christianity:
- The Apostle James (Santiago) was later associated with Spain – Tradition holds that James the son of Zebedee preached in Spain before his martyrdom.
- Early Christian communities developed in Spain, influencing the Western Roman Empire.
- Spain played a key role in Church history, later becoming a stronghold of Catholic Christianity.
Some believe that Paul’s intention to go to Spain was prophetic, symbolizing the Gospel’s movement toward the Western world.
Spiritual Lessons and Application
- God’s plan for the Gospel extends to all nations – Paul’s desire to reach Spain demonstrates God’s intention to bring salvation to every corner of the world (Romans 15:24).
- Christians should have a heart for unreached peoples – Paul’s missionary zeal teaches us that we should pursue the Great Commission faithfully (Matthew 28:19-20).
- God’s timing may differ from our plans – Whether or not Paul reached Spain, his willingness to go reminds us that God directs our paths according to His will (Proverbs 16:9).
- The Gospel’s expansion is unstoppable – Even if Paul did not reach Spain, Christianity flourished there within a few generations, proving that God’s Word will reach all nations (Isaiah 55:11).
Conclusion: God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
The Spaniards, though not explicitly recorded in biblical events, were on Paul’s heart as an unreached people group. His desire to bring the Gospel to Spain reflects the expanding reach of Christianity and God’s plan to offer salvation to all nations.
As Paul wrote:
“So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.” (Romans 15:19)
Though history is unclear on whether Paul ever reached Spain, his ambition to evangelize the Western world helped set the stage for Christianity’s future expansion into Europe.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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