Mityle'ne, the chief city of the island of Lesbos, is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys. Located in the northeastern Aegean Sea, Mityle'ne was a significant urban center during the Roman Empire, known for its cultural and economic influence.

Biblical Reference:

Mityle'ne is specifically mentioned in the Book of Acts. During Paul's third missionary journey, as he traveled from Troas to Jerusalem, he made a brief stop in Mityle'ne. Acts 20:14 states, "When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mityle'ne."

Historical and Cultural Context:

Mityle'ne was renowned for its strategic location and its role as a hub of commerce and culture in the ancient world. The city was known for its impressive architecture, including theaters and temples, and was a center of learning and philosophy. It was also famous for its production of fine wines and olive oil, contributing to its prosperity.

The city had a mixed population of Greeks and Romans, and it was a free city under Roman rule, which allowed it a degree of autonomy. This status likely facilitated the spread of the Gospel, as the city was open to new ideas and influences.

Paul's Journey:

Paul's stop in Mityle'ne was part of his journey from Troas to Jerusalem, where he was eager to arrive in time for Pentecost. The brief mention of Mityle'ne in Acts highlights the logistical aspects of Paul's travels, as he and his companions navigated the islands of the Aegean Sea. The journey reflects the early Christian mission's reliance on the established trade routes and cities of the Roman Empire to spread the message of Christ.

Significance in Early Christianity:

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about the Christian community in Mityle'ne, the city's inclusion in Paul's journey suggests that it was part of the network of early Christian communities. The presence of a church in such a prominent city would have been strategic for the dissemination of the Gospel throughout the region.

Archaeological Insights:

Modern archaeological findings in Mityle'ne have uncovered remnants of its ancient past, including public buildings, mosaics, and inscriptions. These discoveries provide insight into the daily life and culture of the city during the time of Paul's visit. The archaeological evidence supports the historical accuracy of the biblical account, affirming the city's significance in the ancient world.

In summary, Mityle'ne serves as a testament to the early Christian mission's reach and the strategic use of prominent cities to spread the Gospel. Its mention in the Book of Acts underscores the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the role of urban centers in the growth of the early Church.Mityle'ne (1 Occurrence)

Acts 20:14
and when he met with us at Assos, having taken him up, we came to Mitylene,
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Mityle'ne (1 Occurrence)
Mityle'ne. Mitylene, Mityle'ne. Mitzraim . Multi-Version Concordance
Mityle'ne (1 Occurrence). Acts 20:14 and when he met with us ...
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Mitylene (1 Occurrence)

/m/mitylene.htm - 9k

Mitzraim (2 Occurrences)

/m/mitzraim.htm - 6k

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