Bible Location

Mysia

Also known as: Mysia state in Asia Minor

Mysia was an ancient region in northwestern Asia Minor bordering the Aegean Sea and the region surrounding the Propontis. By New Testament times it formed part of the Roman province of Asia.

Mysia appears in Acts during Paul's second missionary journey. After being prevented from preaching in other regions, Paul and his companions passed through Mysia and came to Troas on the Aegean coast.

At Troas Paul received the vision that redirected the mission across the sea into Macedonia.

Biblical Significance

Acts 16 describes Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveling through Asia Minor during the second missionary journey.

After being prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching in the province of Asia, they approached Mysia and attempted to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them.

They therefore passed by Mysia and descended to Troas. There Paul saw a vision during the night of a Macedonian man appealing to him to cross over and help them.

The journey through Mysia therefore forms part of the narrative transition that carried Paul's mission from Asia Minor into Macedonia.

Historical Background

Mysia occupied the northwestern portion of Anatolia and included mountainous interior territory as well as access to the Aegean and Propontis coasts.

The boundaries of Mysia varied considerably through history. Important cities and regions associated with the broader area included Pergamum and Troas.

Under Roman administration much of Mysia belonged to the province of Asia, so Acts can refer to the older geographical region while operating within the larger Roman provincial framework.

Modern Identification

Ancient Mysia corresponds broadly to part of northwestern modern Turkey, including territory south of the Sea of Marmara and east of the northern Aegean coast.

Because its historical boundaries changed through time, Mysia should be represented as a region rather than assigned a precise modern political boundary.

Scripture References

Acts 16:7 Acts 16:8

Related Resources

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Sources

Bible: Acts 16:7-10; Strabo and other ancient geographical sources; historical studies of Roman Asia, Mysia, and northwestern Anatolia