### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Πέργη (Pergē) `{{G4011}}` refers exclusively to a specific geographical location: Perga, a significant city in the Roman province of Pamphylia, located in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Its etymological root is suggested to be connected to Πέργαμος (Pergamos) `{{G4012}}`, which itself is linked to the concept of a "tower." This etymological hint suggests Perga may have been an elevated or fortified city, perhaps built on a hill or featuring prominent defensive structures. However, in the New Testament context, its meaning is strictly confined to the proper noun for the city itself, without any broader semantic range or metaphorical usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Πέργη (Pergē) `{{G4011}}` appears twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring within the narrative of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey in the book of Acts.
* **[[Acts 13:13]]**: "Now when Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem." This verse marks the arrival of the missionary team in Asia Minor after sailing from Cyprus. Perga served as the initial point of entry into the Roman province of Pamphylia. The notable event associated with this stop is the departure of John Mark from the missionary party, a decision that would later cause contention between Paul and Barnabas (cf. [[Acts 15:38]]). The text does not explicitly state that they preached in Perga at this initial visit, suggesting it may have been a transit point before heading inland to Antioch of Pisidia.
* **[[Acts 14:25]]**: "And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia." This verse indicates that on their return journey from the interior of Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas did indeed preach the Gospel in Perga. Although the account does not provide details about the results or specific events of their ministry there, it confirms that the city was a recipient of the apostolic message. From Perga, they proceeded to the coastal city of Attalia to sail back to Antioch in Syria.
Historically, Perga was a prominent city, known for its temple dedicated to Artemis Pergaea, a significant local deity. This pagan religious context would have presented a challenging environment for the early Christian evangelists.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Pamphylia**: Perga was the capital city of the Roman province of Pamphylia. Understanding the geography and political structure of Pamphylia is essential for contextualizing Perga's strategic importance as a regional center.
* **Attalia**: The port city from which Paul and Barnabas sailed after their ministry in Perga. Attalia was the closest major harbor to Perga, serving as its maritime gateway.
* **Antioch of Pisidia**: Often mentioned in close proximity to Perga in the narrative, as the apostles traveled from Perga into the interior to Antioch of Pisidia, where they experienced significant ministry, opposition, and a pivotal moment in their mission to the Gentiles.
* **John Mark**: His departure from the missionary team at Perga is a key narrative detail, highlighting the personal dynamics and challenges faced by the early church leaders.
* **Missionary Journeys**: Perga is a fixed point on the itinerary of Paul's first missionary journey, illustrating the geographical scope and strategic planning of early Christian evangelism, which sought to establish churches in key urban centers.
### Theological Significance
While Πέργη (Pergē) `{{G4011}}` is a geographical marker rather than a concept with inherent theological meaning, its inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores several important theological principles related to the spread of the Gospel:
* **The Global Commission**: The apostles' journey to Perga and other cities in Asia Minor exemplifies the fulfillment of Christ's Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (e.g., [[Matthew 28:19-20]], [[Acts 1:8]]). It demonstrates the early church's commitment to expanding the reach of the Gospel beyond its Jewish origins to the Gentile world.
* **Divine Guidance in Mission**: The specific itinerary of Paul and Barnabas, including their stops in cities like Perga, can be seen as indicative of divine providence guiding the spread of the nascent Christian movement. Even when details of ministry are sparse, the presence of the apostles signifies a divine purpose for that location.
* **Challenges and Perseverance in Ministry**: The brief mention of preaching in Perga, coupled with the narrative of John Mark's departure, subtly highlights the practical difficulties, personal trials, and the need for perseverance inherent in pioneering missionary work. The apostles continued their mission despite such challenges.
* **Strategic Evangelism**: Perga, as a provincial capital and a gateway city, represented a strategic location for establishing a Christian presence. Although the narrative focuses more on the interior cities, the apostles' engagement with Perga underscores the importance of reaching urban centers for wider Gospel dissemination.
### Summary
Πέργη (Pergē) `{{G4011}}` is the Greek name for Perga, a significant city in the Roman province of Pamphylia, Asia Minor. Its etymological connection to "tower" suggests a fortified or elevated location, but in the New Testament, it functions solely as a geographical place name. It is mentioned twice in the book of Acts ([[Acts 13:13]], [[Acts 14:25]]), serving as a crucial waypoint on Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey. Perga was their initial landing point in Asia Minor and later a place where they "preached the word" on their return. The city's inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores the global reach of the Gospel, the strategic and divinely guided nature of early Christian missions, and the perseverance required of the apostles in expanding the church into new territories. While not a theological concept in itself, Perga's role as a backdrop to significant events in early church history contributes to our understanding of the practical outworking of the Great Commission.
TRV