Φόρον (Phoron)
Phoron
Forum
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phoron refers to a forum, specifically a public square or market place in a Roman town. Derived from the Latin word for the same concept, it appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 28:15. In this context, it designates the Forum of Appius, a specific location on the Appian Way where Paul met fellow believers who had traveled to escort him the final thirty miles into Rome.
Its usage highlights the logistical reality of early Christian travel and community. By mentioning this particular stop, the text underscores the effort taken by Christians in Italy to support Paul during his journey as a prisoner. The term itself is a direct loan from Latin, reflecting the administrative and urban structures of the Roman Empire that facilitated both trade and the spread of the gospel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phoron appears only once in the New Testament, referring to a public square or market place in a Roman town. In Acts 28:15, it describes the Forum of Appius, a stop on the Appian Way where Paul met fellow believers who had traveled to escort him into Rome. This specific location highlights the logistical effort early Christians made to support one another, even when Paul was traveling as a prisoner.
For your faith, this detail offers comfort in times of isolation. It reminds us that God often provides community through tangible acts of kindness and presence. The believers did not send a letter; they came in person, bridging the distance with their physical presence. This shows that Christian fellowship is not just spiritual but also practical and costly.
When you feel alone in your journey, remember that others may be moving toward you to offer support. The gospel spreads through these real connections. Your faith is sustained by the visible love of others who share your hope in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] market1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φόρου1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 28:15
From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
This verse uses the term to identify the Forum of Appius, marking the specific point where Paul received encouragement from believers traveling to meet him.