Phrygia
Phrygia is a region mentioned in the New Testament, located in the region of Asia Minor in modern-day Turkey. It appears across 3 verses in Scripture.
Biblical History
Phrygia was a large inland region of Asia Minor that appears several times in the New Testament in connection with the spread of early Christianity. During his second missionary journey, Paul and his companions traveled through the Phrygian and Galatian region after being prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching in the province of Asia (Acts 16:6). On his third missionary journey, Paul again passed through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the disciples (Acts 18:23). Phrygia was also represented at Pentecost, as Jews from Phrygia were among those who heard the apostles speaking in their own languages when the Holy Spirit descended (Acts 2:10). The major Phrygian cities of Laodicea, Colossae, and Hierapolis, though located in a border region sometimes assigned to other provinces, were home to early Christian communities addressed or mentioned in Paul's letters (Colossians 4:13). Phrygia thus played an important role in the earliest expansion of the gospel across the interior of Asia Minor.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
Phrygia occupied the central-western plateau of Asia Minor, corresponding to parts of the modern Turkish provinces of Afyon, Kutahya, Eskisehir, and surrounding areas. The region was known in antiquity for its distinctive culture, including the legendary King Midas and the worship of the mother goddess Cybele. Archaeological sites of Phrygian heritage include Gordion (the ancient capital, extensively excavated revealing the great tumulus burial mound), the rock-cut facades of the Midas City monument, and numerous rock-carved cult monuments. In the areas where Phrygia intersected with early Christianity, excavations at Laodicea and Hierapolis have uncovered substantial Roman-period cities with theaters, baths, temples, and early church buildings.
Verse Appearances (3)
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →