Atomic Bible

A major city where the gospel spread to Gentiles.

Antioch

Named in 14 verses across 2 books, first in Acts 6:5.

ἈντιόχειαAntioch

ἈντιοχεύςAntioch

The name means “speedy as a chariot.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869

About Antioch Written by AI

Antioch, located in Syria, was a significant city in the early spread of Christianity. After the persecution that followed Stephen's martyrdom, some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene came to Antioch and preached the gospel to the Hellenists (Greeks) there (Act.11.19-20). The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch, who encouraged the believers and brought Saul (Paul) there to teach (Act.11.22-26). It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians (Act.11.26). The city became a hub for missionary activity, with Paul and Barnabas being sent out from Antioch on their first missionary journey (Act.13.1-3; 14:26). The church in Antioch also played a crucial role in the Jerusalem Council, which addressed the issue of Gentile believers and the Mosaic Law (Act.15.1-35). Antioch was the home church of several notable figures, including the prophet Agabus (Act.11.27-28) and the evangelist Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch (Act.6.5). The apostle Peter visited Antioch, where Paul confronted him about his inconsistent behavior regarding Gentile believers (Galatians 2:11-14). The church in Antioch became a model of a multicultural, mission-oriented congregation, demonstrating the power of the gospel to transcend cultural barriers and unite believers in Christ. Its strategic location and the fervor of its believers made Antioch a launching pad for the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.

Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

This entry is on the name Antioch, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.

(1.) In Syria, on the river Orontes, about 16 miles from the Mediterranean, and some 300 miles north of Jerusalem. It was the metropolis of Syria, and afterwards became the capital of the Roman province in Asia. It ranked third, after Rome and Alexandria, in point of importance, of the cities of the Roman empire. It was called the “first city of the East.” Christianity was early introduced into it (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; Gal. 2:11, 12). It was the great central point whence missionaries to the Gentiles were sent forth. It was the birth-place of the famous Christian father Chrysostom, who died A.D. 407. It bears the modern name of Antakia, and is now a miserable, decaying Turkish town. Like Philippi, it was raised to the rank of a Roman colony. Such colonies were ruled by “praetors” (R.V. marg., Acts 16:20, 21).

(2.) In the extreme north of Pisidia; 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. On his return, Paul again visited Antioch for the purpose of confirming the disciples (Acts 14:21). It has been identified with the modern Yalobatch, lying to the east of Ephesus.

M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.

36.202, 36.162 See it on a map

GenesisMatthewRevelation

Where the Bible names it

  1. Acts 6:5

    This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

  2. Acts 11:19

    Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews.

  3. Acts 11:20

    But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus.

  4. Acts 11:22

    When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

  5. Acts 11:26

    and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So for a full year they met together with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

  6. Acts 11:27

    In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.

  7. Acts 13:1

    Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.

  8. Acts 14:26

    From Attalia they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had just completed.

  9. Acts 15:22

    Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, two leaders among the brothers,

  10. Acts 15:23

    and sent them with this letter: The apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.

  11. Acts 15:30

    So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they assembled the congregation and delivered the letter.

  12. Acts 15:35

    But Paul and Barnabas remained at Antioch, along with many others, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord.

  13. Acts 18:22

    When Paul had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church at Jerusalem. Then he went down to Antioch.

  14. Galatians 2:11

    When Cephas came to Antioch, however, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.

From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.