Antioch
Antioch, a major city in ancient Syria, emerged as a key center for early Christianity following the persecution that scattered believers from Jerusalem after Stephen's martyrdom. In this diverse urban setting, the gospel was proclaimed to both Jews and Gentiles, resulting in a thriving church where Barnabas and Saul taught for a year and disciples were first called Christians. The congregation there commissioned Paul and Barnabas for their initial missionary journey, launching efforts to spread the faith across the Roman world. Its significance in Scripture lies in illustrating the transition of Christianity from a Jewish sect to a universal message, as seen in accounts of Gentile inclusion and church expansion in the Book of Acts.
Details
- Region
- Asia Minor
- Modern Location
- Antakya, Hatay Province, Turkey
Journey Paths
Key Passages
Believers Called Christians
Acts 11:26
At Antioch, followers of Jesus are first called 'Christians' - this diverse, Gentile-inclusive church becomes the model for multi-ethnic Christianity.
26nd when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Paul's First Missionary Journey Begins
Acts 13:1-3
The church at Antioch commissions Paul and Barnabas - the first intentional missionary sending, guided by the Holy Spirit through prayer and fasting.
1ow there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Did You Know?
Believers were first called 'Christians' in Antioch (Acts 11:26).
Antioch was the third-largest city in the Roman Empire after Rome and Alexandria.
Paul launched all three missionary journeys from Antioch.