STRONGS NT 1885: ἐπαρχίᾳἐπαρχίᾳ ἐπαρχεία T WH (see εἰ, ἰ)), ἐπαρχίας, ἡ (from ἔπαρχος i. e. ὁ ἐπ' ἀρχή ὤν the one in command, prefect, governor), prefecture; i. e.

1. the office of ἔπαρχος or prefect.

2. the region subject to a prefect; a province of the Roman empire, either a larger province, or an appendage to a larger province, as Palestine was to that of Syria (cf. Schürer, Zeitgesch., p. 144ff): Acts 23:34; Acts 25:1 (see the preceding word); (Polybius, Diodorus, Plutarch, Dio Cass.). Cf. Krebs, Observations, etc., p. 256ff; Fischer, De vitiis Lexicons of the N. T., p. 432ff; (BB. DD. (especially Kitto) under the word ).

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἐπαρχία, as the concept is specific to the Greco-Roman administrative system. However, the idea of territorial divisions and governance can be loosely related to terms like מְדִינָה (medinah, Strong's Hebrew 4082), which refers to a province or district in the context of the Persian Empire, as seen in the Old Testament.

Usage: The term ἐπαρχία is used in the New Testament to describe regions or provinces that were under Roman jurisdiction. It highlights the administrative divisions within the Roman Empire during the time of the early Church.

Context: The term ἐπαρχία appears in the New Testament to denote a Roman province, a significant administrative unit within the vast Roman Empire. These provinces were established to maintain order and facilitate governance over the diverse and expansive territories under Roman control. Each province was overseen by a governor, who was responsible for implementing Roman law and order, collecting taxes, and managing local affairs.

In the New Testament, the concept of ἐπαρχία is crucial for understanding the socio-political landscape in which the early Christian Church emerged and spread. The Roman provinces provided a network of roads and infrastructure that facilitated travel and communication, aiding the apostles and early Christians in their missionary journeys.

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) references ἐπαρχία in the context of the Apostle Paul's travels and the spread of the Gospel. For example, in Acts 23:34, the term is used when the Roman governor Felix inquires about Paul's provincial origin: "The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, he said..." This passage illustrates the importance of provincial identity and jurisdiction in legal and administrative matters of the time.

The Roman provincial system also played a role in the persecution and trials of early Christians, as governors had the authority to enforce imperial edicts and address local disturbances. Understanding the concept of ἐπαρχία provides insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by the early Church within the Roman Empire.