Tarsus
Summary
Tarsus was the chief city of Cilicia in Asia Minor, renowned for its university and commerce, and famous as the birthplace of the apostle Paul.
☩Location and Importance
Tarsus was situated in a fertile plain on both banks of the river Cydnus, about ten miles from the Mediterranean coast. It commanded the main highway through the Cilician Gates, a narrow gorge crossing the Taurus Mountains that connected Cilicia with Lycaonia, Cappadocia, and the interior of Asia Minor. The river broadened into a lake called Rhegma which served as an excellent harbor, and the Cydnus itself was navigable to light craft—famously allowing Cleopatra to sail her decorated barge into the heart of the city when visiting Mark Antony.
☩Cultural Significance
Tarsus was renowned as a place of education under the early Roman emperors. Strabo compared it favorably to Athens and Alexandria, giving preference to Tarsus regarding the residents' zeal for learning. Distinguished scholars associated with the city included Athenodorus, tutor of Augustus, and Nestor, tutor of Marcellus. The city exhibited a blend of Oriental and Greek culture with Roman administration, representing the confluence of East and West that characterized much of Paul's ministry.
☩Paul's Connection
Paul was born in Tarsus and received citizenship both of the city and of Rome. After his conversion and first visit to Jerusalem, he was sent to Tarsus to escape those who sought to kill him, and he remained there until Barnabas brought him to Antioch. During this period of several years, he likely planted the Gospel in his native city. Paul began both his second and third missionary journeys by passing through Cilicia, and doubtless visited Tarsus on these occasions. His dual citizenship—Tarsian and Roman—and his exposure to Greek learning profoundly influenced his approach to ministry among both Jews and Gentiles.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Tarsus," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Tarsus," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Tarsus," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.George Morrish, "Tarsus," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).