Sacred Gateway: Τρῳάς (Strong’s G5174: Troas) Opens Gospel’s European Path

Strong’s G5174: A feminine proper noun naming an important port city in northwest Asia Minor. Troas served as a strategic location for the gospel’s expansion into Europe, particularly through Paul’s Macedonian vision and subsequent missionary journeys.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek name Τρῳάς (Troas) refers to the important seaport city of Alexandria Troas in northwest Asia Minor. In the New Testament, it marks a crucial turning point in the spread of the gospel, being the location where Paul received the vision to take the message to Macedonia. The city’s strategic position between Asia and Europe made it significant for early Christian missions. The early church fathers often referenced Τρῳάς when discussing divine guidance in mission work and the gospel’s westward expansion. Today, this place name continues to remind believers of God’s strategic direction in spreading His kingdom.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Τρῳάς, Troas, TROH-as
• Detailed pronunciation: Τρῳ (TROH) + άς (as)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Root: Τρως (Tros) referring to ancient Troy
• Suffix: -άς (-as) forming place name
• Combined meaning: “region of Troy”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “Alexandria Troas”
• Trojan region
• Port city
• Mission gateway

For compound words: Not applicable as Τρῳάς is a proper name

Translation Options:

1. “Troas” – Transliteration
2. “Alexandria Troas” – Full historical name
3. “Troad” – Regional name

E – Exploring Similar Words

Τροία (Troia) [TROY-ah] – Troy – See G5511
Ἀλεξάνδρεια (Alexandria) [al-ex-AN-dree-ah] – Alexandria – See G222
Μυσία (Mysia) [moo-SEE-ah] – nearby region – See G3465

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third

As a proper name, it follows standard Greek declension patterns:

• Nominative: Τρῳάς
• Genitive: Τρῳάδος
• Dative: Τρῳάδι
• Accusative: Τρῳάδα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide insight into Τρῳάς’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its importance as a Roman colony and port city. Thayer’s lexicon details its historical connections to ancient Troy. LSJ documents its development as a Hellenistic city. Vine’s expands on its significance in early Christian missions. Strong’s confirms its basic identification while LEH adds context about its regional importance. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its prominence in travel and commerce documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“So they passed by Mysia and went down to [Τρῳάδα].” Acts 16:8

Additional References:
Acts 16:11, Acts 20:5, Acts 20:6, 2 Corinthians 2:12, 2 Timothy 4:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Strabo: Geography	“Alexandria Troas [Τρῳάς] was a significant Roman colony.”
Thucydides: History	“The region of Troas [Τρῳάς] bordered the Hellespont.”
Polybius: Histories	“Ships gathered at Troas [Τρῳάς] for the crossing.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

The name Τρῳάς marks a pivotal location in the spread of the gospel from Asia to Europe. Through Paul’s vision here, God directed the gospel’s westward expansion, demonstrating His sovereign guidance in mission. Through Τρῳάς, we see how the good news of King Jesus strategically moves across geographical and cultural boundaries, reminding us that God continues to guide His church’s mission today.

D – Did You Know?

1. Τρῳάς was named after Alexander the Great
2. The city had one of the largest harbors in the ancient world
3. Important early church councils were held here

Strong’s G5174: A feminine proper noun naming an important port city in northwest Asia Minor. Troas served as a strategic location for the gospel’s expansion into Europe, particularly through Paul’s Macedonian vision and subsequent missionary journeys.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: places, cities, missions, Paul’s journeys, ports, Asia Minor, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, church history, evangelism, divine guidance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​