Mysia
Summary
Mysia was a region in the northwestern corner of Asia Minor through which Paul passed without preaching on his second missionary journey, being directed by the Spirit to proceed to Troas and thence to Macedonia.
☩Geography
Mysia occupied the northwestern angle of Asia Minor, separated from Europe only by the Propontis (Sea of Marmora) and the Hellespont. On the south it bordered Lydia, and on the east Bithynia. The boundaries were always vague—the absence of clear landmarks between Mysia and Phrygia gave rise to a Greek proverb about the impossibility of distinguishing Mysian and Phrygian territories. For the most part mountainous and unproductive, the region was covered with mountains and marshes, though it was noted for fine wheat from Assos and its oyster beds. The Romans absorbed Mysia into the great province of Asia, showing little regard for ethnic distinctions.
☩Paul's Passage Through Mysia
Paul's journey through Mysia occurred during his second missionary tour. Having been forbidden by the Spirit to preach in the province of Asia, Paul and Silas traveled northward through Phrygian territory until they came 'over against Mysia'—probably near the city of Dorylaeum. When they attempted to enter Bithynia, the Spirit of Jesus again prevented them. They therefore turned westward and 'passed by' or 'passed through' Mysia without stopping to evangelize, coming down to Troas on the Aegean coast. The distance from Dorylaeum to Troas was about 240 miles, and the route led through the valley of the Rhyndacus.
☩Cities and Later History
Important cities in or near Mysia included Assos, Troas, and Adramyttium, all mentioned in the New Testament. Though Paul did not preach in Mysia proper on this journey, he embarked at Troas and later returned there. Onesiphorus, martyred between 109 and 114 AD, is said to have evangelized this part of Asia. A local tradition at Apameia in the Rhyndacus valley claims a Pauline visit, though this is uncertain.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Mysia," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Mysia," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Mysia," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).