### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Asía**, represented by `{{G773}}`, refers to the Roman province of **Asia**, which corresponds to Asia Minor or, more specifically, its western shore. It appears **19 times** across **19 unique verses**, primarily marking a key geographical region in the apostolic ministry, especially the journeys of Paul.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G773}}` is central to the expansion of the early church. The Day of Pentecost saw dwellers from **Asia** present in Jerusalem [[Acts 2:9]]. The apostle Paul's ministry was particularly focused here, so much so that "all they which dwelt in **Asia** heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks" [[Acts 19:10]]. This widespread influence also provoked conflict, as Paul was seen to have "turned away much people" from idol worship throughout almost all of **Asia** [[Acts 19:26]]. The region was also the location of significant hardship for the apostles, as Paul wrote of the "trouble which came to us in **Asia**" where they were "pressed out of measure, above strength" [[2 Corinthians 1:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and locations provide a richer context for the role of **Asia**:
* `{{G2181}}` **Éphesos** (Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor): This city was a major hub of Paul's ministry in **Asia**. It was not only in **Ephesus** but "almost throughout all **Asia**" that his teaching spread [[Acts 19:26]].
* `{{G1577}}` **ekklēsía** (assembly, church): The region was home to numerous congregations. The book of Revelation is addressed to "the seven **churches** which are in **Asia**" [[Revelation 1:4]], and Paul sends greetings from "The **churches** of **Asia**" [[1 Corinthians 16:19]].
* `{{G5435}}` **Phrygía** (Phrygia, a region of Asia Minor): An adjacent region where Paul ministered, though at one point he and his companions were "forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in **Asia**" after passing through **Phrygia** [[Acts 16:6]].
* `{{G3972}}` **Paûlos** (Paul): The apostle whose missionary work is most closely associated with **Asia**. He determined to bypass Ephesus to save time in **Asia** on his way to Jerusalem [[Acts 20:16]] and later reflects on how "all they which are in **Asia** be turned away from me" [[2 Timothy 1:15]].
### Theological Significance
The geographical term `{{G773}}` carries significant theological weight by being the stage for key redemptive-historical events.
* **Fulfillment of the Great Commission:** **Asia** was a primary field where the gospel was taken to both **Jews** `{{G2453}}` and **Greeks** `{{G1672}}` [[Acts 19:10]]. The presence of people from **Asia** at Pentecost demonstrated the initial global reach of the Holy Spirit's work [[Acts 2:9]].
* **The Center of Spiritual Warfare:** The region was a place of intense spiritual conflict. This is seen in the opposition from those in the **synagogue** `{{G4864}}` from **Asia** who disputed with Stephen `{{G4736}}` [[Acts 6:9]], and in the uproar in Ephesus where the worship of the **goddess** `{{G2299}}` Diana `{{G735}}` was challenged, a deity "whom all **Asia** and the world worshippeth" [[Acts 19:27]].
* **Apostolic Suffering and Perseverance:** Paul's testimony about the life-threatening **trouble** `{{G2347}}` he faced in **Asia** serves as a model of apostolic suffering and reliance on God, who is able to deliver from despair "even of **life**" `{{G2198}}` [[2 Corinthians 1:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G773}}` is far more than a simple geographical name. It represents a critical theater for the apostolic mission, a fertile ground for the establishment of the early **churches** `{{G1577}}`, and a focal point of the spiritual battles that defined the spread of Christianity. Its frequent mention in Acts and Revelation solidifies its importance as a region where the word of God flourished and the faith of believers was tested, shaping the course of the early church's expansion across the Roman **world** `{{G3625}}`.
TRV