Bible Location

Antioch of Pisidia

Also known as: Antioch In Asia Minor

The Antioch mentioned in Acts 13:14 and Acts 14:19 is Pisidian Antioch, an important city of Roman Asia Minor. It must be distinguished from Antioch on the Orontes in Syria, the major early Christian center from which Paul and Barnabas began their missionary journey.

Pisidian Antioch stood on the high plateau north of Pisidia. By Paul's time it was a Roman colony with an influential Jewish community. Paul and Barnabas preached in its synagogue during their first missionary journey, and Paul's address in Acts 13:16-41 is one of the major missionary sermons preserved in Acts.

The ancient city is securely identified near modern Yalvac in Turkey.

Biblical Significance

Paul and Barnabas reached Pisidian Antioch after traveling inland from Perga. Acts 13:14 records that they entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. When invited to speak, Paul presented a sweeping account of Israel's history culminating in the proclamation of Jesus as the promised Savior and in His resurrection.

The message attracted substantial interest, including among Gentiles. Opposition subsequently developed, and Paul and Barnabas declared that they would turn toward the Gentiles. Acts 13:49 states that the word of the Lord spread throughout the region.

After persecution forced them from the city, the missionaries later returned to strengthen the disciples. Paul recalled the persecutions he experienced at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra in 2 Timothy 3:11.

Historical Background

Pisidian Antioch was founded in the Hellenistic period and later became an important Roman colony. Although commonly called Antioch of Pisidia, the city lay just beyond Pisidia proper and commanded important routes between the Mediterranean coast and the interior of Asia Minor.

Under Augustus it became Colonia Caesarea and received Roman settlers, including military veterans. Inscriptions and archaeological remains reveal a city combining Roman, Greek, Phrygian, and other cultural influences.

The substantial Jewish and God-fearing audience described in Acts fits the cosmopolitan character of the city during the Roman period.

Modern Identification

Pisidian Antioch is securely identified with extensive ruins near modern Yalvac in Isparta Province, Turkey. Archaeological remains include Roman streets, public buildings, religious structures, and inscriptions.

The identification should always specify "Pisidian Antioch" or "Antioch of Pisidia" on AVWJ because the New Testament also frequently refers to the entirely different city of Antioch in Syria.

Scripture References

Acts 13:14 Acts 14:19 2 Timothy 3:11

Related Resources

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Sources

Bible: Acts 13:14-52, Acts 14:19-21, 2 Timothy 3:11; Encyclopedia of the Bible: Antioch of Pisidia; Encyclopedia of the Bible: Pisidia; archaeological and historical studies of Roman Antioch near Yalvac