Antioch
LocationsGeographical Setting
An ancient Hellenistic city founded in 300 BCE that became the capital of the Roman province of Syria and a major center of early Christianity.
What is the meaning of Antioch in the Bible?
Antioch was a prominent Hellenistic and Roman city situated on the Orontes River in modern-day Turkey, functioning as the capital of the Roman province of Syria and a vital hub for trade and administration in the eastern Mediterranean.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Antioch's role as a major Gentile center illuminates the New Testament narrative of the early church's expansion beyond Judaism, specifically explaining the origin of the term 'Christian' and the city's importance in the missionary journeys of Paul.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Antioch in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Antioch clarify?
Related Topics
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.