The Greek word Pérgē, represented by G4011, refers to Perga, a place in Asia Minor. The name is understood to mean a tower. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Acts. It serves as a significant location in the narrative of Paul's early missionary journeys.
In the biblical narrative, G4011 marks a key point during the first missionary journey of Paul and his companions. They first came G2064 to Perga G4011 in Pamphylia after leaving Paphos Acts 13:13. This location is notable as the place where John G2491 Mark departing G672 from them to return G5290 to Jerusalem Acts 13:13. From Perga G4011, the missionaries departed G1330 and traveled to Antioch in Pisidia Acts 13:14. Later, on their return journey, they stopped in Perga G4011 again, this time to preach G2980 the word G3056 before continuing on to Attalia Acts 14:25.
Several related words help situate Perga within the context of the apostolic journeys:
- G3828 Pamphylía (Pamphylia): This word identifies the region in Asia Minor where Perga was located, described as Perga in Pamphylia Acts 13:13. It provides the broader geographical setting for the events.
- G1330 diérchomai (to traverse): This verb describes the missionaries' movement as they departed from Perga to continue their journey to Antioch in Pisidia, emphasizing the nature of their travels Acts 13:14.
- G2980 laléō (to talk, i.e. utter words): This term is used for the action of preaching. Paul and his companions preached the word in Perga on their return trip, highlighting the city's role as a site for missionary work Acts 14:25.
While a geographical location, the events surrounding G4011 carry theological significance.
- Expansion of the Gospel: Perga serves as a key waypoint in the first missionary journey, illustrating the strategic movement of the apostles as they carried the gospel message into new regions Acts 13:13.
- A Place of Departure: The city is the setting where John G2491 departed from Paul and his company Acts 13:13. This incident, which took place in Pamphylia G3828, highlights the human challenges and differing levels of commitment involved in the work of the ministry Acts 15:38.
- Fulfillment of the Mission: On their return, the apostles preached G2980 the word G3056 in Perga Acts 14:25. This act fulfills the core purpose of their journey, which is the proclamation of the divine message, the very Word G3056 that was with God and was God John 1:1.
In summary, G4011 Perga is more than a simple geographical marker. It is a specific location in the book of Acts where the progress of the early church's mission is chronicled. It functions as a backdrop for significant narrative developments, including the arrival of the apostles in a new region, a difficult departure that tested the missionary team, and the faithful proclamation of the word. The story of Perga thus encapsulates both the strategic expansion and the personal challenges inherent in the work of the early gospel ministry.
TRV