Antioch
Summary
The name of two cities mentioned in the New Testament: the great metropolis of Syria where disciples were first called Christians, and a city in Pisidia where Paul experienced both conversions and persecution.
☩Antioch in Syria
Antioch on the Orontes was the third greatest city of the Roman Empire, after Rome and Alexandria. Founded by Seleucus Nicator around 300 BC, it became the capital of the Seleucid kings and later the seat of Roman governors in Asia. The city was renowned for its beauty and culture, though its moral reputation was poor, particularly its notorious pleasure-gardens at Daphne. A large Jewish population enjoyed citizenship rights there, and their influence prepared the city for the gospel.
☩Birthplace of Gentile Christianity
No city after Jerusalem is so intimately connected with apostolic history. Christians scattered after Stephen's martyrdom preached the gospel at Antioch, and some began preaching to Greeks as well as Jews, resulting in many conversions. Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem to supervise this new work, and he brought Paul from Tarsus to help. Together they taught for a year, and it was here that the disciples received the name "Christians"—likely a nickname given by the witty Antiochenes.
☩Center of Missionary Activity
Antioch became the base for Paul's missionary journeys. The church there sent Paul and Barnabas on their first mission and received them back to report what God had done. The controversy over Gentile circumcision that arose there led to the Jerusalem Council. It was also at Antioch that Paul confronted Peter for his inconsistent behavior toward Gentile believers.
☩Antioch in Pisidia
Another Antioch, founded by Seleucus Nicator in the region of Pisidia, became a Roman colony. Paul and Barnabas visited this city on their first missionary journey, preaching in the synagogue where many Gentiles believed. The jealous Jews raised persecution, driving them from the region, but Paul revisited the city to strengthen the disciples.
Related Verses19 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Antioch," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Antioch," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Antioch," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Antioch," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).