Lexical Summary Phrugia: Phrygia Original Word: Φρυγία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Phrygia. Probably of foreign origin; Phrygia, a region of Asia Minor -- Phrygia. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably of foreign origin Definition Phrygia, a region of Asia Minor NASB Translation Phrygia (2), Phrygian (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5435: ΦρυγίαΦρυγία, φρυγίας, ἡ, Phrygia, a region of Asia Minor, hounded by Bithynia, Galatia, Lycaonia, Pisidia, Lydia, and Mysia. Those of its cities mentioned in the N. T. are Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colossae: Acts 2:10; Acts 16:6; Acts 18:23. (B. D., under the word; Lightfoot on Colossians, Introduction, diss. i., especially, pp. 17f, 23f) Topical Lexicon Geographic and Cultural Setting Phrygia was an inland territory of Asia Minor (modern-day central-western Türkiye). Bordered by Mysia to the northwest, Lydia to the west, Galatia to the east, and Pisidia to the south, its varied topography ranged from fertile valleys to rugged highlands. By New Testament times it was not a formal Roman province but a cultural-linguistic region absorbed into larger provincial units (notably Asia, Galatia, and Pisidia). Phrygia was known for agriculture, textile production (especially dyed wool), and a syncretistic religious environment that blended ancient Anatolian worship (e.g., Cybele) with Hellenistic and Roman influences. Population and Diaspora Connections Jews had settled in Phrygian cities after the Seleucid and early Roman eras, creating synagogues that preserved Scripture and monotheism amid paganism. These communities facilitated the rapid spread of the gospel because Paul and his companions could begin ministry in familiar synagogue settings (Acts 13:14; Acts 14:1; compare Romans 1:16). New Testament Usage The name appears three times, all in Acts: • Acts 2:10 — pilgrims from “Phrygia and Pamphylia” were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost. Together these references trace (1) an early hearing of the gospel by Phrygians at Pentecost, (2) an apostolic planting of churches there, and (3) ongoing pastoral care. Phrygia at Pentecost At Pentecost the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to proclaim “the wonders of God” (Acts 2:11) in the native tongues of the gathered nations. Among the listeners were Phrygians. Many likely returned home as first-generation witnesses, forming a seedbed for later missionary work. Their presence underscores the global scope of Christ’s commission from the outset and anticipates gentile inclusion without erasing Jewish priority (Acts 3:25-26). Phrygia in Paul’s Missionary Strategy Acts 16:6 records a pivotal redirection. Prevented by the Spirit from preaching in the province of Asia, Paul’s team journeyed through Phrygia and Galatia, preparing the way for the Macedonian call (Acts 16:9). Luke’s wording suggests informal evangelism and the establishment of nascent assemblies along the route. Compared with the deliberate city-by-city approach of Acts 13–14, this travel shows apostolic flexibility: some regions received extended ministry; others were traversed while still receiving gospel witness. After an extended stay in Syrian Antioch, Paul’s third journey began with “place to place” visitation in Galatia and Phrygia (Acts 18:23). The verb “strengthening” (epistērizō) highlights pastoral concern for doctrinal solidity and perseverance amid persecution (Acts 14:22). Phrygian congregations thus matured through repeated apostolic contact rather than a single campaign. Related Cities and Letters Although never named explicitly “Phrygia” in the address lines, several New Testament churches lay within its bounds: • Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis (Colossians 4:13) were situated in the Lycus Valley of southern Phrygia. Teaching in letters to the Colossians and Galatians therefore bears indirect relevance to believers across Phrygia, confronting syncretistic errors and affirming justification by faith (Galatians 2:16; Colossians 2:8). Ecclesiastical Legacy By the second century, Phrygia produced influential Christian figures such as Papias of Hierapolis and later, regrettably, the Montanist movement originating in Pepuza, which distorted prophecy and church order. The canonical witness, however, had already provided a plumb line for orthodoxy, and mainstream churches in Phrygia continued to uphold apostolic teaching through successive generations. Spiritual Lessons and Applications 1. Sovereign Guidance: The Spirit’s restraint in Acts 16:6 demonstrates that closed doors redirect, not thwart, gospel advance. By tracing Phrygia through Luke’s narrative and Paul’s ministry, believers today gain a portrait of persevering mission, Spirit-led strategy, and the transforming power of the gospel in diverse cultures. Forms and Transliterations πεφρυγμένα Φρυγιαν Φρυγίαν φρύγιον φυγάδας φυγαδείαι φυγαδείον φυγάδες φυγαδευτήρια φυγαδευτήριον φυγαδευτηρίου φυγαδευτηριών φυγαδευτηρίων φυγαδεύων φυγάς φυγάσιν Phrugian Phrygian PhrygíanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 2:10 N-AFSGRK: Φρυγίαν τε καὶ NAS: Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt KJV: Phrygia, and Pamphylia, INT: Phrygia both and Acts 16:6 N-AFS Acts 18:23 N-AFS |
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