Brief Overview of Πάφος (Strong’s G3974: Paphos)

Strong’s G3974: A significant city on the western coast of Cyprus, notable as the capital during Roman rule. Famous for its temple to Aphrodite and as a center of pagan worship. In NT context, marks a crucial point in Paul’s first missionary journey where a Roman proconsul converts to Christianity.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πάφος represents the intersection of pagan culture and Christian mission in the first century. As both a political center and religious hub for Aphrodite worship, it symbolizes the gospel’s confrontation with worldly power and idolatry. Early church writers saw the conversion of Sergius Paulus here as emblematic of Christianity’s triumph over paganism. Today, it reminds us how the gospel can transform centers of secular and religious power.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Πάφος, Paphos, [PA-fos]
• Detailed pronunciation: PAH-foss
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Ancient Cypriot origin
• Possibly related to Phoenician word
• Traditional connection to Paphos, founder
• Name preserved in modern Pafos

D – Defining Meanings

• City in Cyprus
• Roman administrative center
• Religious center of Cyprus

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a proper noun

Translation Options:

• Paphos – Standard transliteration
• Pafos – Modern form
• New Paphos – Historical clarification

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Σαλαμίς [Salamis, sa-la-MEES] – another Cypriot city
• Κύπρος [Kypros, KEE-pros] – Cyprus
• Κίτιον [Kition, KEE-tee-on] – ancient Cypriot city

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Proper Noun
• Second Declension
• Feminine Gender
• Nominative: Πάφος
• Always appears in nominative form in NT
• Cross-references: Πάφιος (Paphian, of Paphos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its administrative importance. Thayer’s notes its religious significance. LSJ details its historical development. Vine’s highlights its missionary context. Moulton and Milligan show its prominence in Roman documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos [Πάφος], they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus.” (Acts 13:6)

Additional References:
Acts 13:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πάφος illustrates how the gospel penetrates centers of worldly power and pagan worship. The conversion of Sergius Paulus shows that Christ’s authority supersedes both political and religious systems, encouraging us that no place is beyond the reach of God’s transforming power.

D – Did You Know?

1. Had two locations: Old Paphos (religious center) and New Paphos (administrative center)
2. Site of annual pilgrimages to Aphrodite until 4th century AD
3. Became one of the first Christian episcopal sees

Strong’s G3974: A significant city on the western coast of Cyprus, notable as the capital during Roman rule. Famous for its temple to Aphrodite and as a center of pagan worship. In NT context, marks a crucial point in Paul’s first missionary journey where a Roman proconsul converts to Christianity.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: #BiblicalPlaces #PaulJourneys #Cyprus #RomanEmpire #MissionaryWork #AncientCities #Conversion #Paganism #Acts #EarlyChurch​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​