Tarsus
LocationsGeographical Setting
An ancient urban center in southern Anatolia, renowned for its strategic position on the Cydnus River and its role as a major Hellenistic and Roman metropolis.
What is the meaning of Tarsus in the Bible?
Tarsus served as the principal city of the Roman province of Cilicia, located on both banks of the Cydnus River within a fertile alluvial plain that supported a secure harbor. Historical records indicate its establishment through a synthesis of indigenous, Assyrian, and Greek influences, evolving into a prominent intellectual hub during the Hellenistic period.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Tarsus clarifies the cultural and geographical context of the Apostle Paul, who was a citizen of this cosmopolitan city, thereby illuminating his ability to navigate both Jewish and Greco-Roman societies in his missionary work.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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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.