### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Πισιδία (Pisidía), Strong's number `{{G4099}}`, refers to a historical region of Asia Minor. As a proper noun denoting a geographical location, its semantic range is precise and fixed: it designates the specific territory known as Pisidia. The etymology, noted as "probably of foreign origin," indicates its non-Greek linguistic roots, a common feature for ancient place names. Geographically, Pisidia was a mountainous and often rugged region, situated north of Pamphylia and Lycaonia, and west of Cilicia. Its inhabitants, the Pisidians, were known for their independent and often fierce character. In the biblical narrative, its significance is primarily as a setting for the early spread of the Gospel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Πισιδία (Pisidía) appears twice in the New Testament, both times within the book of Acts, chronicling the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul.
1. **[[Acts 13:14]]**: "But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia; and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down." This verse marks a pivotal moment in Paul's first missionary journey. After passing through Pamphylia, Paul and Barnabas arrive at Antioch, a significant city located within the region of Pisidia. This particular Antioch is often distinguished as "Antioch of Pisidia" to differentiate it from other cities named Antioch. It was here that Paul delivered a profound sermon, outlining salvation history and the universal offer of the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, leading to significant interest and subsequent persecution. The mention of Pisidia thus establishes the broader geographical context for this crucial evangelistic outreach.
2. **[[Acts 14:24]]**: "And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia." This verse describes Paul and Barnabas's return journey. After their extensive work in Derbe, Lystra, and Iconium (regions of Lycaonia and Phrygia), they retrace their steps, passing through the region of Pisidia again before descending into Pamphylia to depart from Attalia. This indicates that their missionary activity encompassed not just the city of Antioch in Pisidia, but also the broader region, consolidating the work they had begun and strengthening the nascent communities of believers. The arduous journey through this mountainous terrain highlights the apostles' commitment to their mission.
In both instances, Pisidia serves as a geographical marker, outlining the itinerary of Paul's missionary endeavors and underscoring the expansion of the early church into diverse regions of the Roman Empire.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a geographical term, Πισιδία (Pisidía) is closely related to other place names and concepts central to the narrative of early Christian expansion:
* **Asia Minor**: The broader peninsula where Pisidia is located, a crucial area for the spread of Christianity.
* **Antioch in Pisidia**: The specific city within Pisidia that served as a major hub for Paul's ministry (not to be confused with Antioch in Syria).
* **Pamphylia**: The region directly south of Pisidia, often traversed by Paul on his journeys (e.g., `{{G3828}}`).
* **Lycaonia** and **Phrygia**: Neighboring regions where Paul also ministered, illustrating the interconnectedness of early missionary routes.
* **Missionary Journeys**: The broader concept of the apostles' travels to proclaim the Gospel, for which Pisidia was a significant locale.
* **Gentile Evangelism**: The work in Pisidia, particularly at Antioch, represents a key phase in the church's outreach beyond Jewish communities, fulfilling the mandate of the Great Commission.
### Theological Significance
While Pisidia itself, as a geographical region, does not possess inherent theological meaning, its inclusion in the biblical narrative carries profound theological significance as a setting for divine activity and human response to the Gospel.
1. **The Expansion of the Kingdom**: Pisidia represents a frontier in the early church's mission, a step further into the Gentile world. Paul's journey into and through Pisidia signifies the unstoppable advance of God's kingdom, demonstrating the fulfillment of Christ's commission to take the Gospel "to the ends of the earth" (cf. [[Acts 1:8]]). The willingness of the apostles to traverse difficult terrain underscores the urgency and importance of their mission.
2. **Divine Sovereignty in Geography**: The specific routes and regions chosen by the apostles, including Pisidia, were not arbitrary. They reflect God's sovereign plan for the spread of the Gospel. The strategic placement of cities like Antioch in Pisidia, which served as a regional center, allowed the message to radiate outward.
3. **The Universal Scope of Salvation**: The events in Antioch of Pisidia, especially Paul's sermon in [[Acts 13]], powerfully articulate the universal offer of salvation through Christ, extended to both Jew and Gentile. The receptivity of the Gentiles in Pisidia, contrasted with the resistance from some Jewish leaders, highlights the breaking down of ethnic barriers in the new covenant.
4. **Perseverance in the Face of Opposition**: The apostles encountered significant opposition in Pisidia, particularly in Antioch, leading to their expulsion ([[Acts 13:50]]). Yet, their return journey through the region ([[Acts 14:24]]) demonstrates their unwavering commitment and resilience, serving as a model of faithful perseverance in ministry despite hardship.
### Summary
Πισιδία (Pisidía), a mountainous region in Asia Minor, serves as a crucial geographical marker in the book of Acts, specifically within the accounts of Paul's first missionary journey. Its two occurrences in [[Acts 13:14]] and [[Acts 14:24]] contextualize the significant evangelistic efforts of Paul and Barnabas, particularly their ministry in Antioch of Pisidia. Theologically, Pisidia represents the expanding frontiers of the early church, underscoring the universal scope of the Gospel, God's sovereign guidance in mission, and the apostles' unwavering perseverance in spreading the message of Christ to the Gentile world. It stands as a testament to the fulfillment of the Great Commission and the dynamic growth of the nascent Christian community beyond its Jewish origins.
TRV