Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
SPAIN, a well-known country of Europe, though the name anciently included the whole peninsula now occupied by Spain and Portugal. The Hebrews, in the time of Solomon, were acquainted with the position and wealth of Spain. Paul desired to preach the gospel there. Rom 15:24-28. Whether he ever visited Spain is a question in dispute among scholars. Those who hold that Paul was twice imprisoned at Rome think that he visited Spain between his first and second imprisonments. Christianity was introduced into that country at a very early period, as Irenjeus and Tertullian testify. See Tarshish.
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