Bible Dictionary

Antioch

Places & Geography • New Testament

Antioch was the name of important cities in Syria and Pisidia. Syrian Antioch became a major center of early Christianity, where believers were first called Christians and missionaries were sent to the Gentiles; Paul also preached in Pisidian Antioch.

Definition

Antioch was the name of important cities in Syria and Pisidia. Syrian Antioch stood on the Orontes and became a major metropolis and Roman center. Pisidian Antioch was a city visited by Paul and Barnabas during their missionary work.

Biblical Usage

Christianity was introduced early into Syrian Antioch, and believers were first called Christians there. Antioch became a central base for missionary work among the Gentiles. In Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas preached in the synagogue, met opposition, and later returned to strengthen the disciples.

Historical Background

Syrian Antioch lay about sixteen miles from the Mediterranean and ranked among the most important cities of the Roman Empire. It is identified with modern Antakia. Pisidian Antioch is identified with modern Yalobatch.

Scripture References

Acts 11:19 Acts 11:21 Acts 11:24 Acts 11:26 Acts 6:5 Acts 11:27 Acts 11:28 Acts 11:30 Acts 12:25 Acts 15:22-35 Galatians 2:11 Galatians 2:12 Acts 16:20 Acts 16:21 Acts 13:14 Acts 14:21 2Macc 4:33 Acts 11:20 Acts 14:19 2 Timothy 3:11

Related Figures

Historical Bible Dictionaries

Easton's Bible Dictionary

(1.) In Syria, on the river Orontes, about 16 miles from the Mediterranean, and some 300 miles north of Jerusalem. It was the metropolis of Syria, and afterwards became the capital of the Roman province in Asia. It ranked third, after Rome and Alexandria, in point of importance, of the cities of the Roman empire. It was called the “first city of the East.” Christianity was early introduced into it (Acts 11:19, 21, 24), and the name “Christian” was first applied here to its professors (Acts 11:26). It is intimately connected with the early history of the gospel (Acts 6:5; 11:19, 27, 28, 30; 12:25; 15:22-35; Gal. 2:11, 12). It was the great central point whence missionaries to the Gentiles were sent forth. It was the birth-place of the famous Christian father Chrysostom, who died A.D. 407. It bears the modern name of Antakia, and is now a miserable, decaying Turkish town. Like Philippi, it was raised to the rank of a Roman colony. Such colonies were ruled by “praetors” (R.V. marg., Acts 16:20, 21). (2.) In the extreme north of Pisidia; was visited by Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:14). Here they found a synagogue and many proselytes. They met with great success in preaching the gospel, but the Jews stirred up a violent opposition against them, and they were obliged to leave the place. On his return, Paul again visited Antioch for the purpose of confirming the disciples (Acts 14:21). It has been identified with the modern Yalobatch, lying to the east of Ephesus.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(from Antiochus)-

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