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Antioch (Syria)

Antioch (Syria) City

CityNew Testament
36.2000°N, 36.1500°E View on Map

About Antioch (Syria)

Antioch in Syria was a major center of early Christianity where believers were first called Christians. It served as the launching point for Paul's missionary journeys and was home to a vibrant, multicultural church that included both Jews and Gentiles.

Paul the ApostleLinked to this placePaul the ApostleTaught at Antioch; launched missionary journeys from there

History of Antioch (Syria)

  1. New Testament~AD 35

    Scattered believers bring the gospel to Antioch

    ACT 11:19-21

  2. New Testament~AD 43

    Barnabas brings Paul to Antioch to teach for a year

    ACT 11:25-26

  3. New Testament~AD 43

    Disciples are first called 'Christians' at Antioch

    ACT 11:26

  4. New Testament~AD 47

    The Holy Spirit commissions Paul and Barnabas from Antioch

    ACT 13:1-3

  5. New Testament~AD 49

    The Jerusalem Council's letter is read at Antioch

    ACT 15:30-35

  6. New Testament~AD 50

    Paul confronts Peter at Antioch over Gentile fellowship

    GAL 2:11-14

Notable Characters in Antioch (Syria)

Paul the Apostle
Paul the Apostle

Taught at Antioch; launched missionary journeys from there

Barnabas
Barnabas

Brought Paul to Antioch; co-led the church there

Peter
Peter

Visited Antioch but was rebuked by Paul

Locations Related to Antioch (Syria)

Jerusalem
Jerusalem

Antioch became the second major center of Christianity after Jerusalem

View on Map
Tarsus
Tarsus

Barnabas traveled to Tarsus to bring Paul to Antioch

View on Map
Cyprus
Cyprus

Paul and Barnabas' first missionary journey began from Antioch to Cyprus

View on Map

Biblical Significance of Antioch (Syria)

Antioch in Syria (modern-day Antakya, Turkey) was the third-largest city in the Roman Empire and became the first great center of Gentile Christianity. Here believers were first called 'Christians.' The church at Antioch commissioned the first intentional missionary outreach, sending Paul and Barnabas. It served as Paul's home base for his missionary journeys. Antioch represents the transition from a Jewish sect to a worldwide faith.

Key Verses about Antioch (Syria)

Acts 11:26Acts 13:1-3Acts 14:26-28

Frequently Asked Questions

Bible Bites

Where 'Christian' Was Born

The disciples were first called 'Christians' in Antioch of Syria. This thriving city became a major center of early Christianity and served as Paul's home base for his missionary journeys.

Acts 11:26

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