About Antioch
Antioch in Syria was the third largest city in the Roman Empire and became a major center of early Christianity. It was here that believers were first called "Christians." The church at Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. The city was known for its diverse population of Jews and Gentiles worshipping together.
History of Antioch
Scattered believers from Jerusalem bring the gospel to Antioch, preaching to Greeks
ACT 11:19-21Barnabas brings Saul from Tarsus to teach in Antioch for a full year
ACT 11:25-26Holy Spirit directs the church to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work
ACT 13:1-3Notable Characters in Antioch
Locations Related to Antioch
Biblical Significance of Antioch
Antioch on the Orontes was the third largest city in the Roman Empire and became the most important center of Gentile Christianity. When persecution scattered believers from Jerusalem, some traveled to Antioch and began preaching to Greeks. This breakthrough led to a thriving multi-ethnic church. It was here that followers of Jesus were first called Christians. The Antioch church became the launching point for world missions when the Holy Spirit directed the church to send Barnabas and Saul. All three of Paul's missionary journeys originated from or passed through Antioch.
Key Verses about Antioch
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