Lexical Summary phoron: market Original Word: φόρον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance forum, marketOf Latin origin; a forum or market-place; only in comparative with Appios; a station on the Appian road -- forum. see GREEK Appios NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin, only in combination with Appiou, q.v. NASB Translation market (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5410: ΦόρονΦόρον, Φόρου, τό, Latinforum; see Ἀππιος. Topical Lexicon Historical and Geographical Background The “Forum of Appius” (Greek Φόρον Ἀππίου) was a well-known station on the Via Appia, about forty-three miles (nearly sixty-nine kilometers) southeast of Rome. Founded as a commercial center during the Roman Republic, it served as both a marketplace and a staging point where travelers changed horses or secured river transport along the nearby canals of the Pontine marshes. By the first century A.D. it had become notorious for its bustling trade, taverns, and less reputable nightlife (cf. Horace, Satire 1.5). Because of its strategic location, the Forum was frequented by merchants, soldiers, and imperial couriers—an ideal setting for the rapid spread of news, ideas, and, eventually, the gospel. Occurrence in Scripture Acts 28:15 contains the sole New Testament reference to this site: “The brothers there had heard the news about us and came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and gave thanks to God.” (Berean Standard Bible) Luke records the moment when believers from Rome traveled south to greet Paul as he made the final leg of his journey under guard. Their meeting at the Forum of Appius highlights three biblical themes: Christian fellowship, the providential arrangement of God, and the fulfillment of apostolic calling. Providence and the Advance of the Gospel 1. Fulfillment of Promise. Years earlier Paul had written, “I am longing to see you” (Romans 1:11). God’s assurance in Acts 23:11—“You must also testify in Rome”—comes to fruition here. The Forum becomes a tangible marker of divine faithfulness, showing that no distance, imprisonment, or political intrigue can thwart God’s redemptive plan. Ministry Significance of the Meeting • Mutual Encouragement. Paul, a prisoner, drew heart from the believers who walked or rode for days to meet him. Their presence illustrated Hebrews 10:24—“Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good works.” Cultural Intersection of Languages The Greek text preserves a Latin loanword (φόρον) for “forum,” underscoring the multilingual milieu in which Scripture emerged. Such linguistic blending reminds readers that the gospel entered concrete historical contexts, engaging real places and people rather than abstract ideals. Lessons for the Contemporary Church 1. Intentional Presence. The believers did not wait in Rome for Paul to reach them; they went out to meet him. Modern disciples likewise demonstrate love by moving toward those who are imprisoned, marginalized, or weary in ministry (Philippians 2:29-30). Related Biblical Motifs • Journeys to Meet God’s Servants: Elisha greeting the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:25-27); brethren from Antioch meeting Barnabas and Paul at Perga (Acts 13:13-14). Conclusion Strong’s Greek 5410, though appearing only once, anchors a moment rich with theological and pastoral weight. The Forum of Appius stands as a monument to God’s sovereign orchestration of history, the zeal of early Christians to uphold one another, and the unimpeded advance of the gospel along the highways of men. Forms and Transliterations Φορου Φόρου Phorou PhórouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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