Lexical Summary Musia: Mysia Original Word: Μυσία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mysia. Of uncertain origin; Mysia, a region of Asia Minor -- Mysia. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition Mysia, a province of Asia Minor NASB Translation Mysia (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3465: ΜυσίαΜυσία, Μυσιας, ἡ, Mysia, a province of Asia Minor on the shore of the Aegean Sea, between Lydia and the Propontis; it had among its cities Pergamum, Troas, and Assos: Acts 16:7f. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Mysia lay in the northwest corner of Asia Minor, bordered by the Propontis (Sea of Marmara) to the north, the Aegean Sea to the west, the river Caïcus to the south, and the region of Bithynia to the east. Its landscape ranged from fertile coastal plains to the slopes of Mount Olympus (modern Uludağ). Key cities included Pergamum (later one of the “seven churches” of Revelation), Adramyttium, Assos, and the seaport of Troas. Major Roman roads traversed the region, linking the interior of Asia Minor with the Hellespont and Europe, making Mysia a strategic corridor for commerce and travel. Historical Background Originally inhabited by Thracian migrants, Mysia was absorbed into successive empires—Persian, Hellenistic, and finally Roman. Under Rome it became part of the province of Asia. Its mixed population of Greeks, indigenous Mysians, and Roman colonists fostered a cosmopolitan culture receptive to new ideas, including the gospel. Pagan worship featured the Phrygian mother-goddess Cybele, Dionysian rites, and the imperial cult, all providing a vivid backdrop for apostolic ministry. Biblical Occurrences The term appears twice, both in Luke’s record of Paul’s second missionary journey: The verses describe Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveling westward across Asia Minor after being “strengthened through the faith” of the churches planted earlier (Acts 16:5). Their intention to turn north toward Bithynia was overruled by the Spirit of Jesus, leading them through Mysia to Troas, where Paul received the Macedonian vision that redirected the mission into Europe (Acts 16:9-10). Missionary Significance 1. Strategic Redirection: Mysia marks the turning point where the gospel, moving steadily west, crossed from Asia to Europe. The Spirit’s restraint in Mysia and invitation in Troas highlight divine sovereignty in missionary strategy. Theological Themes • Guidance of the Holy Spirit: The narrative underscores that successful ministry depends not simply on zeal or opportunity but on Spirit-directed timing (Proverbs 16:9; Romans 8:14). Lessons for Today • Closed doors can be providential detours leading to greater fruitfulness. Related Scriptures Acts 18:23 – Paul’s later circuit “through the region of Galatia and Phrygia” shows a pattern of Spirit-guided revisits. Revelation 2:12-17 – Evidence of a mature church in Pergamum, confirming long-term gospel impact in Mysia. 2 Corinthians 2:12-13 – Paul’s sensitivity to open doors (“a door was opened for me in the Lord”) echoes the Mysian experience. Summary Mysia, though only a brief stop in Acts, became a pivotal crossroads where divine guidance steered the apostolic mission from Asia to Europe. Its example reminds modern believers that God’s redirection, even through unknown or overlooked regions, furthers His unbroken purpose to spread the gospel to all nations. Forms and Transliterations Μυσιαν Μυσίαν μύστακα Musian Mysian MysíanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 16:7 N-AFSGRK: κατὰ τὴν Μυσίαν ἐπείραζον εἰς NAS: and after they came to Mysia, they were trying KJV: to Mysia, they assayed INT: down to Mysia they attempted into Acts 16:8 N-AFS |
    |