Seleucia
Summary
The seaport of Antioch in Syria, from which Paul and Barnabas embarked on their first missionary journey to Cyprus.
☩Location and Founding
Seleucia was situated on the coast of Syria, about sixteen miles west of Antioch, near the mouth of the Orontes River. It was built by Seleucus Nicator (died 280 BC), one of Alexander the Great's successors, and served as the maritime stronghold of the Macedonian monarchy in Syria. The city was sometimes called Seleucia Pieria (from nearby Mount Pieria) or Seleucia ad Mare to distinguish it from other cities of the same name.
☩Strategic Importance
Seleucia was one of the four cities forming the Syrian Tetrapolis, along with Antioch, Apameia, and Laodicea. Protected by nature on the mountain side and strongly fortified on the south and west, it was considered nearly impregnable and 'the key to Syria.' The city had an excellent harbor; the two piers of the old harbor still remain and are traditionally called Paul and Barnabas.
☩Paul's Missionary Departure
When the church at Antioch commissioned Paul and Barnabas for their first missionary journey, they traveled down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. They likely also landed there upon returning from this circuit. Pompey made Seleucia a free city in 64 BC for resisting Tigranes, and it retained this privileged status into Paul's day.
Related Verses1 mention
Acts· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Seleucia," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Seleucia," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Seleucia," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 4.George Morrish, "Seleucia," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).