What is…
Antioch

This is the name of 2 biblical cities. The name “Antioch” is derived from Antiochus I Soter (meaning “Savior”), a Seleucid king.

Origin and meaning of the name

“Antiochus” itself is a Greek name. It’s a combination of:

• “Anti-”: Meaning against, or opposed to (though in this context, its meaning is debated—possibly signifying strength or resistance)

• “Ochos”: A Greek word meaning help, or assistance. It’s believed to be derived from a local Syrian name.

Therefore, a literal translation of “Antiochus” could be something like “One who fights with help” or “One who offers resistance with assistance.” However, the name quickly came to be associated with the idea of a “savior” or “protector,” reflecting the king’s role in establishing and defending the city.

Antioch on the river Orontes

It was the metropolis of Syria, and afterwards became the capital of the Roman province in Asia. It ranked 3rd in importance of the cities of the Roman empire, after Rome and Alexandria. It was called the “first city of the East.”

This is the original Antioch and the major one, established around 300 BC by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great’s generals, and named in honor of his son, Antiochus I Soter. It became the capital of the Seleucid Empire and remained a major city throughout antiquity and the Byzantine era. It’s strategically located on the Orontes River in southern Turkey.

This ancient Syrian city is located about 16 miles (25 km) from the Mediterranean Sea, and some 300 miles north of Jerusalem.

It bears the modern name of Antakya (Antakia), Hatay, Turkey. Most of the ancient ruins are still buried, and the modern city itself has been hit by devastating earthquakes. More than 50% of Antakya was destroyed on February 6, 2023. There were devastating quakes in 37 BC, 115 AD and 458 AD, 526 AD (killing 250-thousand), and 1054 (10-thousand died).

This area is known as the “Cradle of Christianity.” In modern times, “Antakya’s Christian community had been shrinking every year in predominantly Muslim Turkey, and the latest disaster has brought it to the brink of extinction.”

Christianity was introduced early into this city (Acts 11:19, 21, 24), and the name “Christian” was first applied here to its professors (Acts 11:26). It is intimately connected with the early history of the gospel (Acts 6:5; 11:19, 27,28,30; 12:25; 15:22-35; Galatians 2:11-12).

It was the great central point from where missionaries to the Gentiles were sent forth.

It was the birthplace of the famous Christian father Chrysostom, who died in 407 AD.

Like Philippi, it was raised to the rank of a Roman colony. Such colonies were ruled by “praetors” (Acts 16:20-21).

Antioch of Pisidia

also known as: Pisidian Antioch

This city was founded much later, during the Hellenistic period, likely by Antiochus III the Great (a descendant of Antiochus I) in the 2nd century BC. It was located in the Roman province of Pisidia in Pisidia’s extreme north (today in central Turkey) and was a much smaller, less significant city compared to Antioch on the Orontes (above).

Its inhabitants were called Pisidians. Its ruins are near Yalvac, Turkey.

It is notable because Paul preached his first recorded sermon in its synagogue (Acts 13:16–41), leading to both acceptance and opposition. Both Paul and his companion Barnabas preached here during their missionary journeys (Acts 13-14). They were eventually expelled but left a community of believers.

This city was visited by Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:14). Here they found a synagogue and many proselytes. They met with great success in preaching the gospel, but the Jews stirred up a violent opposition against them, and they were obliged to leave the place.

Christian teachers in this Antioch included Simeon “who was called Niger,” and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen “who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch” (Acts 13:1).

On his return, Paul again visited this Antioch for the purpose of confirming disciples (Acts 14:21).