### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Póntos**, represented by `{{G4195}}`, refers to **Pontus**, a region of Asia Minor. Of Latin origin, its base definition is "a sea." The term appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, identifying a specific geographical area significant to the early church.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4195}}` is used to pinpoint a location within the Roman world. It is listed among the regions from which Jewish "dwellers" came to Jerusalem and witnessed the events of Pentecost [[Acts 2:9]]. The region is also mentioned by the apostle Peter in the opening of his first epistle, which is addressed to the "strangers scattered throughout **Pontus**, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia" [[1 Peter 1:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which **Pontus** is mentioned:
* `{{G2587}}` **Kappadokía** (Cappadocia, a region of Asia Minor): This neighboring region is listed alongside **Pontus** in both of its biblical occurrences, highlighting their geographical and contextual proximity ([[Acts 2:9]], [[1 Peter 1:1]]).
* `{{G3927}}` **parepídēmos** (an alien alongside, i.e. a resident foreigner): This term describes the recipients of Peter's letter, identifying the believers in **Pontus** and other regions as "strangers" or "pilgrims" [[1 Peter 1:1]].
* `{{G2730}}` **katoikéō** (to house permanently, i.e. reside): This word identifies the people present at Pentecost, including those from **Pontus**, as "dwellers" or inhabitants from various lands [[Acts 2:9]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G4195}}` lies in its role in demonstrating the scope of the early Christian mission.
* **Witness to Pentecost:** The presence of people from **Pontus** in Jerusalem shows that news of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit reached individuals from distant regions of Asia Minor [[Acts 2:9]].
* **Recipient of Apostolic Teaching:** **Pontus** was one of five regions specifically named as the destination for an epistle from the apostle Peter, indicating the existence of established Christian communities there worthy of apostolic address [[1 Peter 1:1]].
* **Part of the Diaspora:** The believers in **Pontus** are described as part of the "scattered" `{{G1290}}`, connecting them to the broader community of dispersed believers to whom the gospel was spreading.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4195}}` is a geographical marker that, while appearing infrequently, plays a key role in the New Testament narrative. Its inclusion in both the Pentecost account and an apostolic letter confirms that **Pontus** was on the map of the early church's mission, representing the reach of the gospel message to the scattered communities throughout Asia Minor.
TRV