Antioch, In Syria
LocationsGeographical Setting
Antioch was a major Hellenistic metropolis and the capital of the Seleucid Empire, located on the Orontes River in ancient Syria.
What is the meaning of Antioch, In Syria in the Bible?
Antioch in Syria was established by Seleucus I Nicator circa 300 BC and grew to become the third-largest city in the Roman Empire, serving as a major center of Hellenistic culture and home to a significant Jewish community.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Antioch as a diverse, cosmopolitan hub clarifies the historical context in which the term 'Christian' was first applied and highlights the city's strategic role as the launching point for Paul's missionary journeys to the Gentile world.
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.