Lexical Summary Achaia: Achaia Original Word: Ἀχαΐα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Achaia. Of uncertain derivation; Achaia (i.e. Greece), a country of Europe -- Achaia. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition Achaia, a Roman province incl. most of Greece NASB Translation Achaia (10). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 882: ἈχαΐαἈχαΐα (WH Ἀχαΐα (see Iota)), Ἀχαΐας, ἡ, Achaia; 1. in a restricted sense, the maritime region of northern Peloponnesus. 2. in a broader sense, from Achaia was the Roman senatorial province encompassing the Peloponnese, much of Central Greece, and the islands adjacent to those coasts. Its chief cities in New Testament days were Corinth (the provincial capital), Athens, and Cenchrea. Governed by a proconsul (Acts 18:12), Achaia had been united with Macedonia under Roman rule, then separated again in 27 BC. Rome granted the province relative autonomy, and its highly developed road and port systems made it a strategic hub for commerce, culture, and—under God’s providence—the spread of the Gospel. Encounters with the Apostle Paul • Second Missionary Journey: After ministering in Macedonia, Paul travelled south to Achaia, reasoning in Athens (Acts 17) before settling in Corinth for eighteen months (Acts 18:1–18). There he established a vibrant church and wrote First and 2 Thessalonians. The Churches of Achaia Corinth was the flagship congregation, yet Paul greets “all the saints throughout Achaia” (2 Corinthians 1:1), indicating multiple assemblies—likely in Athens, Cenchrea (Romans 16:1), and other towns linked by Roman roads and coastal trade. These churches displayed both strengths (generosity, zeal, missionary vision) and weaknesses (divisions, moral challenges), providing the occasion for several canonical letters. Examples of Faith and Generosity The province gained a reputation for exemplary service: Their readiness demonstrated the transforming power of grace and set a pattern for later generations of believers. Doctrinal and Pastoral Significance 1. Unity of the Body: The repeated pairing of “Macedonia and Achaia” underscores the apostolic expectation that geographically diverse churches stand in practical fellowship. Key Verses for Study Acts 18:12; Acts 18:27; Acts 19:21; Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:15; 2 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 9:2; 2 Corinthians 11:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:7–8. Legacy in Early Church History By the close of the first century, Achaia had emerged as a stronghold of orthodoxy. Traditions link later church fathers—such as Clement of Rome—with believers in Corinth, indicating sustained communication. The province remained influential through subsequent centuries, producing notable councils and Christian scholars, a testimony to the solid foundation laid in apostolic days. Lessons for the Contemporary Church • Strategic urban centers remain critical launching points for regional evangelism. Englishman's Concordance Acts 18:12 N-GFSGRK: ὄντος τῆς Ἀχαίας κατεπέστησαν οἱ NAS: was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews KJV: was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews INT: being of Achaia rose up against the Acts 18:27 N-AFS Acts 19:21 N-AFS Romans 15:26 N-NFS 1 Corinthians 16:15 N-GFS 2 Corinthians 1:1 N-DFS 2 Corinthians 9:2 N-NFS 2 Corinthians 11:10 N-GFS 1 Thessalonians 1:7 N-DFS 1 Thessalonians 1:8 N-DFS Strong's Greek 882 |
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