Lexical Summary anóterikos: Upper, higher Original Word: ἀνωτερικός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance upper. From anoteros; superior, i.e. (locally) more remote -- upper. see GREEK anoteros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anóteros Definition upper NASB Translation upper (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 510: ἀνωτερικόςἀνωτερικός, ἀνωτερικη, ἀνωτερικον (ἀνώτερος), upper: τά ἀνωτερικά μέρη, Acts 19:1 (i. e. the part of Asia Minor more remote from the Mediterranean, farther east). (The word is used by (Hippocrates and) Galen.) Topical Lexicon Geographical ContextThe one New Testament use of ἀνωτερικά (Strong’s 510) appears in Acts 19:1, where Luke records, “While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior and arrived at Ephesus”. The term “the interior” (literally “upper regions”) refers to the highlands of Asia Minor, away from the Aegean coast. Entering Ephesus from this inland route contrasts with the easier, well-traveled coastal roads, indicating a deliberate choice by Paul to traverse less-reached districts of Galatia and Phrygia before returning to the influential port city. Connection to Paul’s Missionary Strategy 1. Targeting Unreached Areas By journeying through the “upper regions,” Paul modeled the apostolic priority of taking the gospel where Christ had not yet been named (compare Romans 15:20). These uplands were dotted with smaller towns and rural populations that had likely heard little of Jesus Christ, emphasizing a comprehensive, region-wide evangelistic vision rather than a focus solely on urban centers. 2. Strengthening Existing Believers Acts 18:23 notes that Paul “traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples”. Acts 19:1 shows the continuation of that itinerary. The single word ἀνωτερικά therefore links Luke’s brief travel notices and reveals Paul’s pastoral concern: encouraging fledgling churches before moving to strategic Ephesus for a prolonged ministry of up to three years (Acts 20:31). 3. Coordinated Ministry with Apollos Luke deliberately juxtaposes Apollos’s presence in Corinth with Paul’s inland journey. While Apollos cared for the established Corinthian congregation, Paul advanced into new territory. The verse thus illustrates complementary ministry roles and a Spirit-directed distribution of labor within the early church. Historical Implications for the Early Church • Ephesus as a Launchpad Paul’s arrival via the “upper regions” set the stage for a revival that would cause “all who lived in the province of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, [to hear] the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10). The route underscores how hinterland ministry prepared the way for a citywide and, ultimately, province-wide awakening. • Formation of Regional Networks Churches planted or strengthened along the interior road likely became part of the “churches of Asia” greeted in 1 Corinthians 16:19. The travel note encoded in ἀνωτερικά hints at the birth of interconnected fellowships that later hosted Paul’s co-workers (e.g., Tychicus from Asia, Acts 20:4). Spiritual Significance • Obedience Beyond Convenience Paul accepted the harder, upland journey rather than the convenient coastal highway, demonstrating commitment to divine call over personal ease. The word therefore embodies a lesson in sacrificial obedience and faith-filled perseverance. • The Gospel’s Elevation of the Lowly “Upper regions” geographically lay above the coast, yet socially they were less prominent. By trekking into the hills, Paul proclaimed that the gospel elevates neglected places and people, fulfilling the mandate that no corner remain untouched (Matthew 28:19-20). Lessons for Contemporary Ministry 1. Pursue the Interior Modern missions can mirror Paul’s example by prioritizing spiritually “inland” areas—remote villages, inner-city neighborhoods, or unreached people groups—trusting God to open strategic doors thereafter. 2. Balance Multiplication and Maturation Strengthening disciples and pioneering new works are not competing tasks; ἀνωτερικά reminds us both occur along the same path when guided by the Spirit. 3. Collaborate Across Giftings Paul’s inland journey paralleled Apollos’s urban teaching. Healthy ministry leverages diverse callings for unified gospel advance. See Also Romans 15:20; Acts 18:23; Acts 19:10; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Matthew 28:19-20 Forms and Transliterations ανωτερικα ανωτερικά ἀνωτερικὰ anoterika anoterikà anōterika anōterikàLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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