### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Μιτυλήνη (`{{G3412}}`, Mitylḗnē) is a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location: a prominent city situated on the eastern coast of the island of Lesbos in the Aegean Sea. Its base definition, "abounding in shellfish," likely reflects a characteristic feature of the region, perhaps its rich marine resources or coastal industry, though this etymological note is not directly derived from the biblical text itself. As a proper noun, its semantic range is singularly focused on this particular ancient city, serving as a fixed point in the geography of the Hellenistic world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word Μιτυλήνη (`{{G3412}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts:
* [[Acts 20:14]]: "And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene."
In this sole occurrence, Mitylene is presented as a stop on Paul's third missionary journey, as he makes his way from Assos towards Jerusalem, passing through various Aegean islands and coastal cities. The context is purely geographical and narrative, detailing the itinerary of Paul and his companions. After a brief stay or passage through Assos, they sailed to Mitylene, indicating it was a significant port or a necessary waypoint for their sea voyage. The text provides no further detail about Paul's activities in Mitylene, such as preaching or establishing a church, suggesting its mention is solely to mark the progression of their journey. This brief citation nonetheless grounds the narrative of Acts in real-world geography, lending historical verisimilitude to Luke's account of apostolic travel.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, Μιτυλήνη (`{{G3412}}`) does not have direct synonyms or antonyms in the biblical lexicon. However, it is conceptually related to several broader themes and categories:
* **Biblical Geography:** It belongs to the vast array of cities, islands, and regions mentioned in Acts that delineate the scope of early Christian missionary endeavors (e.g., Assos, Chios, Samos, Miletus, Ephesus). These locations collectively illustrate the extensive reach of the Gospel across the Roman Empire.
* **Maritime Travel:** The mention of Mitylene, a port city, highlights the crucial role of sea travel in the dissemination of the Gospel in the ancient world. Apostles like Paul frequently utilized ships to traverse the Mediterranean, facing the inherent challenges and opportunities of such journeys.
* **Missionary Journeys:** Mitylene is a specific point on the map of Paul's extensive missionary travels, which are central to the narrative of Acts. It underscores the practical logistics and arduous nature of spreading the Christian message across diverse cultures and geographies.
* **Urban Centers:** Like many other cities mentioned in Acts, Mitylene represents an urban hub, often a nexus for trade and communication, which were strategic targets for early evangelism.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Μιτυλήνη (`{{G3412}}`) is not intrinsic to the word itself, as it is a geographical marker rather than a theological concept. Its importance lies in its contribution to the overarching narrative and themes of the Book of Acts:
* **Historicity and Veracity:** The inclusion of specific, identifiable locations like Mitylene reinforces the historical authenticity of Luke's account. It grounds the divine mission in tangible, real-world geography, affirming that the events of early Christianity unfolded in concrete places and times.
* **Scope of the Gospel:** Mitylene's presence in Paul's itinerary, however brief, illustrates the comprehensive and far-reaching nature of the apostolic commission. The Gospel was not confined to Jerusalem or Judea but was actively carried to the islands and coastal cities of the Aegean, demonstrating God's redemptive plan for all nations.
* **Divine Providence in Human Journeys:** While seemingly mundane, the details of Paul's travels, including his stops at places like Mitylene, reflect the providential guidance of God. Every leg of the journey, every port of call, was part of the larger divine strategy for the expansion of the church.
* **The Practicality of Mission:** The mention of Mitylene reminds us that the spread of the Gospel was not merely a spiritual phenomenon but involved arduous physical journeys, logistical planning, and reliance on the transportation methods of the era. It underscores the practical, human effort required in obedience to the Great Commission.
### Summary
Mitylḗnē (`{{G3412}}`) is a Greek proper noun referring to a city on the island of Lesbos, mentioned only once in the New Testament in [[Acts 20:14]]. In this context, it functions as a geographical waypoint during Paul's third missionary journey, marking a port of call in his extensive travels across the Aegean Sea. While the word itself carries no direct theological meaning, its inclusion in the biblical narrative serves to underscore the historical veracity of the Book of Acts, the vast geographical scope of early Christian missions, and the practical realities of apostolic travel in spreading the Gospel to diverse regions. It stands as a testament to the comprehensive and geographically expansive nature of the apostolic mission, demonstrating the diligent efforts to carry the message of Christ to all corners of the known world.
TRV