### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Bithynía**, represented by `{{G978}}`, refers to **a region of Asia**. This geographical term is of uncertain derivation and appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, identifying it as a specific location in the narrative of the early church.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{G978}}` is mentioned in two distinct contexts. First, it is listed as one of the regions whose residents received a letter from Peter `{{G4074}}`, an apostle `{{G652}}` of Jesus `{{G2424}}` Christ `{{G5547}}`. The letter is addressed to the "strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia" [[1 Peter 1:1]]. The second mention occurs in the book of Acts, where missionaries came to Mysia and "assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not" [[Acts 16:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the context in which Bithynia appears:
* `{{G3465}}` **Mysía**: This term identifies a neighboring **region of Asia Minor**. Its mention in Acts shows the geographical progression of the missionary journey immediately before the attempt to enter Bithynia [[Acts 16:7]].
* `{{G3927}}` **parepídēmos**: This word means **a resident foreigner** and is used to describe the believers in Bithynia as "strangers" or "pilgrims" [[1 Peter 1:1]].
* `{{G1290}}` **diasporá**: Meaning **dispersion**, this term describes the state of the believers in Bithynia and the surrounding regions as being "scattered" [[1 Peter 1:1]], highlighting their status as part of the converted Israelites living in Gentile countries.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G978}}` is tied to its role in the expansion and guidance of the early church.
* **Divine Sovereignty in Mission:** Bithynia serves as a clear example of the Holy Spirit's direct intervention in missionary work. The Spirit's action to forbid entry underscores that the spread of the gospel was divinely directed [[Acts 16:7]].
* **The Church as a Pilgrim People:** The believers in Bithynia are addressed as "strangers" `{{G3927}}` and part of the "scattered" `{{G1290}}` flock [[1 Peter 1:1]]. This reinforces the theological concept of the church as a community of sojourners on earth.
* **Recipient of Apostolic Instruction:** As a destination for Peter's epistle, Bithynia is established as a region containing a community of believers who were part of the wider church receiving apostolic teaching [[1 Peter 1:1]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G978}}` Bithynia is mentioned infrequently, its presence in scripture is significant. It serves as both a destination for apostolic encouragement and a key point in the biblical narrative illustrating the Holy Spirit's sovereign guidance over the mission to spread the gospel. It represents a tangible location where the theological reality of a scattered, pilgrim church was lived out.
TRV