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Antioch (Pisidia)

biblical_place theological_term standard

A city in Asia Minor visited by Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey, where Paul preached in the synagogue and many Gentiles responded to the gospel.

At a Glance

A Roman-era city in the region of Pisidia, known in Acts as the setting of Paul’s synagogue sermon and an early turning point in the Gentile mission.

Key Points

Description

Antioch in Pisidia was a city in Asia Minor visited by Paul and Barnabas during the first missionary journey (Acts 13–14). In Acts it is especially significant as the setting for Paul’s synagogue sermon, in which he recounted God’s saving work in Israel’s history and proclaimed forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. The account also shows a mixed response: some Jews believed, many Gentiles welcomed the message, and organized opposition eventually forced the missionaries to leave. The city matters in biblical history as an early mission field and as part of the expansion of the gospel beyond Judea. It is a geographic entry rather than a doctrine or theological concept.

Biblical Context

Antioch (Pisidia) is one of the key cities in the travel narrative of Acts. It marks an important moment when the gospel is preached publicly in a synagogue setting, with both Jewish and Gentile hearers present. The city also helps illustrate the repeated pattern in Acts of proclamation, response, opposition, and continued mission.

Historical Context

The city stood in Roman Asia Minor and was part of the wider Hellenistic and Roman world of Paul’s missionary journeys. Its location made it a strategic place for travel, commerce, and public proclamation. In the New Testament period it was an established urban center rather than a small village.

Jewish and Ancient Context

As in other Diaspora settings, a synagogue provided a natural point of contact for gospel preaching among Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. Acts presents Antioch (Pisidia) as a setting where Israel’s Scriptures were heard and interpreted in light of Christ.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The name refers to Antioch in Pisidia, distinguishing it from Antioch in Syria. The Greek form in Acts identifies it as a specific city in Asia Minor.

Theological Significance

Antioch (Pisidia) is significant because it highlights the gospel’s advance from Israel to the nations while showing continuity with the Old Testament story. It also illustrates the mixed response to apostolic preaching and the movement of mission outward when opposition arises.

Philosophical Explanation

As a place-name, this entry has no independent philosophical doctrine. Its importance is historical and redemptive-historical: a concrete location where the Christian message was publicly announced and received by some and rejected by others.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not confuse Antioch (Pisidia) with Antioch in Syria. The entry should be treated as a geographic and biblical-historical location, not as a doctrinal topic.

Major Views

There is no major interpretive debate about the identity of the place itself. Discussion usually concerns its location, the historical setting of Acts, and the significance of Paul’s sermon.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry should not be used to build doctrine apart from the actual biblical text. Its doctrinal value comes from the Acts narrative, not from the city itself.

Practical Significance

Antioch (Pisidia) reminds readers that gospel witness often begins in familiar religious settings, may meet opposition, and continues even when some reject the message. It also underscores God’s concern for both Jews and Gentiles.

Related Entries

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