Lexical Summary Kappadokia: Cappadocia Original Word: Καππαδοκία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Cappadocia. Of foreign origin; Cappadocia, a region of Asia Minor -- Cappadocia. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition Cappadocia, a province of Asia Minor NASB Translation Cappadocia (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2587: ΚαππαδοκίαΚαππαδοκία, Καππαδοκίας, ἡ, Cappadocia, a region of Asia Minor, bounded under the Roman empire on the north by Pontus, on the east by Armenia Minor, on the south by Cilicia and Commagene, on the west by Lycaonia and Galatia (BB. DD., under the word): Acts 2:9; 1 Peter 1:1. Topical Lexicon Geographic Setting Cappadocia occupied a high plateau in the heart of Anatolia, bounded by Pontus in the north, Cilicia in the south, Galatia in the west, and the Euphrates frontier in the east. Its landscape of volcanic tuff, deep valleys, and cave-rich rock formations created natural strongholds and secluded settlements that later proved hospitable to monastic communities. Major cities in the Roman period included Caesarea Mazaca (modern Kayseri), Tyana, and Parnassos. The region lay astride strategic east-west trade routes, making it a cultural crossroads long before New Testament times. Biblical Occurrences 1. Pentecost pilgrims – Acts 2:9 lists “Cappadocia” among the homelands of the Jews and proselytes who heard the apostles declaring “the wonders of God” in their own languages. Historical Background Under Persian rule Cappadocia functioned as a satrapy; Alexander’s successors wrestled over it, and by 17 B.C. it became a Roman province. A sizable Jewish community arose through successive deportations and voluntary migrations, evidenced by Josephus and later inscriptions. When the Gospel reached Asia Minor, these synagogues provided an initial bridge for Christian proclamation, as in many other Roman provinces. Role in Early Christian Expansion • Pentecost and the first missionaries: The Cappadocians present in Jerusalem carried eyewitness testimony back to their heartland, planting seeds for congregations that Peter would later address. Theological and Ministry Implications 1. Universality of the Gospel – Acts 2 shows the Spirit reaching ethnic groups far from Jerusalem, fulfilling the promise that the message would extend “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Lessons for Believers Today • Strategic but ordinary places matter: Remote Cappadocia, though absent from Paul’s travel diaries, became a lighthouse of doctrinal clarity. The Lord often cultivates strong churches in out-of-the-way regions. Selected Scripture (Berean Standard Bible) Acts 2:9 “…residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia.” 1 Peter 1:1–2 “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood…” Forms and Transliterations Καππαδοκιαν Καππαδοκίαν Καππαδοκιας Καππαδοκίας κάππαρις Kappadokian Kappadokían Kappadokias KappadokíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 2:9 N-AFSGRK: τε καὶ Καππαδοκίαν Πόντον καὶ NAS: Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus KJV: and Cappadocia, in Pontus, INT: also and Cappadocia Pontus and 1 Peter 1:1 N-GFS Strong's Greek 2587 |
    |