Bible Location

Attalia

Also known as: Attalia In Asia Minor

Attalia was an important seaport on the Mediterranean coast of Pamphylia in southern Asia Minor. The city was founded during the Hellenistic period and developed into a significant harbor serving the surrounding region.

Acts 14:25 records that Paul and Barnabas traveled from Perga down to Attalia near the conclusion of their first missionary journey. From there they sailed back to Syrian Antioch, the congregation from which their mission had begun.

Ancient Attalia survives as modern Antalya on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.

Biblical Significance

Attalia appears in Acts 14:25 during the concluding stage of Paul and Barnabas' first missionary journey. After revisiting the newly established congregations in Asia Minor, the missionaries passed through Pisidia and Pamphylia, preached again in Perga, and then traveled to Attalia.

Acts 14:26 states that from this region they sailed back to Antioch, where they reported what God had done through them and how a door of faith had been opened to the Gentiles.

Attalia thus served as the maritime departure point marking the completion of an important early phase of Gentile mission.

Historical Background

Attalia was founded by Attalus II of Pergamum during the second century BC and took its name from its founder. Its protected harbor gave the city strategic and commercial importance on the southern coast of Asia Minor.

The city subsequently came under Roman authority and belonged to the political world through which Paul and other early Christian missionaries traveled. Its port provided access between the inland cities of Pamphylia and Pisidia and Mediterranean sea routes.

Modern Identification

Attalia is securely identified with modern Antalya in southern Turkey. Antalya remains a major Mediterranean city and port.

Although the modern city has expanded greatly, archaeological remains from the ancient and Roman periods survive within and around the historic center. There is little geographical uncertainty concerning the identification.

Scripture References

Acts 14:25

Related Resources

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Sources

Bible: Acts 14:24-26; Encyclopedia of the Bible: Attalia; historical and archaeological reference works concerning Roman Pamphylia and ancient Antalya