Phrygia: People From, in Jerusalem
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Phrygia, an ancient region located in what is now modern-day Turkey, is mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the context of the Day of Pentecost. The people from Phrygia are noted for their presence in Jerusalem during this significant event in early Christian history.

Biblical Context

The most notable mention of Phrygians in the Bible occurs in the Book of Acts. On the Day of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in various languages. This miraculous event drew a diverse crowd of Jewish pilgrims who had come to Jerusalem from different parts of the Roman Empire to celebrate the Feast of Weeks. Among these were visitors from Phrygia:

"Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome" (Acts 2:9-10).

This passage highlights the widespread nature of the Jewish diaspora and the diverse cultural backgrounds of those who were present in Jerusalem. The inclusion of Phrygians among the crowd underscores the far-reaching impact of the Jewish faith and the early spread of Christianity.

Historical and Cultural Background

Phrygia was a region known for its rich cultural heritage and was part of the larger Roman province of Asia. The Phrygians were an ancient Indo-European people, and their region was known for its unique language and customs. The area was also famous for its religious practices, which included the worship of the mother goddess Cybele.

During the Roman period, Phrygia was a melting pot of various cultures and influences, including Greek and Roman. This cultural diversity is reflected in the presence of Phrygians in Jerusalem, as they were likely part of the Jewish diaspora that had settled in various parts of the Roman Empire.

Religious Significance

The presence of Phrygians in Jerusalem during Pentecost is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the fulfillment of the prophecy that the message of the Gospel would reach the ends of the earth. The diverse crowd, including Phrygians, heard the apostles speaking in their native languages, which was a powerful testament to the universality of the Christian message.

Secondly, the event marks the beginning of the Christian Church's mission to spread the Gospel beyond the confines of Judea. The Phrygians, along with others who witnessed the events of Pentecost, would have carried the message of Christ back to their homeland, contributing to the early spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

Conclusion

The mention of Phrygians in the Book of Acts serves as a reminder of the diverse and far-reaching nature of the early Christian movement. Their presence in Jerusalem during Pentecost highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to pour out His Spirit on all people, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. The Phrygians, as part of the Jewish diaspora, played a role in the dissemination of the Gospel, illustrating the early Church's mission to reach all nations with the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Nave's Topical Index
Acts 2:10
Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
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Library

Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold.
... One at Laodicea in Phrygia, ad60.5. ... flight] ^c for there shall be great distress
upon the land, and wrath unto this people. [The city of Jerusalem was divinely ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxiii destruction of jerusalem foretold.htm

The Land and the People.
... Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, in Phrygia and Pamphylia ... fortitude on his last journey
to Jerusalem which "killeth ... wants of his age and people, and receiving ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 17 the land and.htm

The Manner in which Apollonius Refuted the Phrygians, and the ...
... and Tymion, [1622] small towns in Phrygia, Jerusalem, wishing to gather people to
them from all directions; who appointed collectors of money; [1623] who ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xviii the manner in which.htm

How the Kings of Asia Honored the Nation of the Jews and Made them ...
... disposition towards the Jews: for when the people of Ionia ... when we came to their
city [Jerusalem], received us ... was informed of a sedition in Phrygia and Lydia ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how the kings.htm

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian ...
... he led his army on foot through Cappadocia and Phrygia. ... with a select part of his
army, to destroy Jerusalem. ... This station had no water, but the people of the ...
/.../chapter 11 that upon the.htm

From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
... world to those it made among heathen people. ... and Caesarea, from whence he probably
visited Jerusalem. ... He passes through Galatia and Phrygia strengthening the ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xx from antioch to.htm

The Angel of the Everlasting Gospel.
... Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia ... which began to
be preached at Jerusalem, has been ... its way to every tribe and people that have ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the angel of the everlasting.htm

Hippolytus on the Twelve Apostles:
... 5. Philip preached in Phrygia, and was crucified in ... son of Alph??us, when preaching
in Jerusalem, was stoned ... called Lebb??us, preached to the people of Edessa ...
/.../hippolytus on the twelve apostles .htm

Apollonius.
... of marriage; who inculcated fasting; who called Peruga and Tymius, small towns of
Phrygia, Jerusalem, because he wished to collect thither people from all parts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/apollonius.htm

How Herod Twice Sailed to Agrippa; and How Upon the Complaint in ...
... Cappadocia; they then traveled thence over great Phrygia, and came ... winds; from whence
he went to Jerusalem, and there gathered all the people together to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how herod twice.htm

Resources
What happened on Paul's third missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org

What was Jesus' message to the church in Laodicea in Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Philip in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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