### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Phoiníkē**, represented by `{{G5403}}`, refers to **Phenice** or **Phenicia**, a region of Palestine known as "palm-country." It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily documenting its role as a key location in the travel and missionary activities of the early church.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Phoiníkē** `{{G5403}}` is first mentioned as a destination for believers who were **scattered abroad** `{{G1289}}` following the **persecution** `{{G2347}}` that arose concerning Stephen. These early Christians **travelled** `{{G1330}}` as far as **Phenice**, preaching the **word** `{{G3056}}` only to **Jews** `{{G2453}}` at that time [[Acts 11:19]]. Later, the region is a place where travelers **passed through** `{{G1330}}` declaring the **conversion** `{{G1995}}` of the **Gentiles** `{{G1484}}`, causing **great** `{{G3173}}` **joy** `{{G5479}}` for the brethren [[Acts 15:3]]. It also appears as a simple travel destination, with the narrator **finding** `{{G2147}}` a **ship** `{{G4143}}` **sailing over** `{{G1276}}` to **Phenicia** [[Acts 21:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which **Phoiníkē** `{{G5403}}` appears:
* `{{G1289}}` **diaspeírō** (to sow throughout, i.e. (figuratively) distribute in foreign lands:--scatter abroad): This word explains the impetus for the gospel reaching the region, as believers were **scattered abroad** by persecution and traveled to Phenice [[Acts 11:19]].
* `{{G1330}}` **diérchomai** (to traverse (literally):--come, depart, go (about, abroad, everywhere, over, through, throughout), pass (by, over, through, throughout), pierce through, travel, walk through): This verb describes the action of movement through the region, as believers either **travelled** to Phenice [[Acts 11:19]] or **passed through** it on their journeys [[Acts 15:3]].
* `{{G1995}}` **epistrophḗ** (reversion, i.e. morally, revolution:--conversion): This term highlights the significant news being shared in Phenice, where missionaries were **declaring** `{{G1555}}` the **conversion** of the Gentiles [[Acts 15:3]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of **Phoiníkē** `{{G5403}}` in the biblical narrative is primarily geographical and strategic in the expansion of the early church.
* **A Stage for Gospel Expansion:** Phenice marks a key point in the spread of the Christian message. It first appears as a place where the message was preached exclusively to **Jews** `{{G2453}}` by those fleeing persecution [[Acts 11:19]], and later as a place where the **conversion** `{{G1995}}` of the **Gentiles** `{{G1484}}` was declared [[Acts 15:3]].
* **A Hub for Missionary Travel:** As a coastal region, Phenicia served as a vital transit point for the apostles and other believers. Its mention in the context of finding a **ship** `{{G4143}}` underscores its role in the logistical movements of early missionaries [[Acts 21:2]].
* **A Place of Refuge and Joy:** The region initially served as a refuge for believers **scattered** `{{G1289}}` from Jerusalem. It later becomes a site where news of Gentile conversion brought **great** `{{G3173}}` **joy** `{{G5479}}` to the brethren, linking the location to pivotal moments of both trial and celebration in the church ([[Acts 11:19]], [[Acts 15:3]]).
### Summary
In summary, **Phoiníkē** `{{G5403}}` serves as a significant landmark in the book of Acts. Though mentioned infrequently, its presence charts the geographical and theological progress of the early church. It is depicted as a region of refuge, a critical route for missionary journeys, and a place where the joyful news of the gospel's expansion to all **nations** `{{G1484}}` was proclaimed.
TRV