### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **eparchía**, represented by `{{G1885}}`, refers to a **province**. Derived from terms meaning a governor of a district, its specific definition is a special region of government or a Roman præfecture. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, indicating a very specific and contextual usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1885}}` is used exclusively in the book of Acts to denote a Roman administrative territory. When Paul is brought before the governor, the official's first question is to determine which **province** he belongs to, establishing legal jurisdiction [[Acts 23:34]]. The term is also used to describe the area of authority Festus entered upon his appointment, when he "was come into the **province**" before traveling from Caesarea to Jerusalem [[Acts 25:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the administrative context of `{{G1885}}`:
* `{{G2232}}` **hēgemṓn** (governor, prince, ruler): This word refers to a leader or chief person of a province. A **governor** is the one who has authority over an **eparchía**, as seen when the **governor** questions Paul [[Acts 23:34]].
* `{{G2791}}` **Kilikía** (Cilicia): This is the proper name for a region of Asia Minor. It is the specific **province** Paul is from, a key detail in his legal proceedings [[Acts 23:34]].
### Theological Significance
The contextual significance of `{{G1885}}` is rooted in the political reality of the early church. It demonstrates the interaction between the apostles and the Roman Empire.
* **Roman Jurisdiction:** The use of **province** is critical for the legal narrative in Acts. Determining Paul's home **province** was a necessary step for the Roman governor to properly handle his case [[Acts 23:34]].
* **Administrative Structure:** The word highlights the organized and sectioned nature of the Roman Empire, where officials like Festus were assigned to specific territories or provinces to govern [[Acts 25:1]].
* **Geopolitical Grounding:** Mentioning a specific **province** like Cilicia grounds the events of the New Testament in a real-world, verifiable historical and geographical setting.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1885}}` is a precise administrative term for a **province** within the Roman Empire. While used only twice, its appearance in the book of Acts is significant, providing a framework for understanding the legal and political landscape that the early Christians, particularly the Apostle Paul, navigated. It underscores the historical context of the narrative, linking the spread of the gospel to the official structures of Roman governance.
TRV