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Antioch of Pisidia
Brief Overview of Paul's Visit to the Antioch of Pisidia on His First Missionary Journey
# 4 When Paul landed in Asia, he and his companions traveled inland for
about eight miles to the city of Perga in Pamphylia, and it was here that John
Mark left the group and went back to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). They remained in
Perga a short time and Paul and Barnabas continued north for about 100 miles, to
"Antioch of Pisidia" in the central plateau area of Asia Minor (Acts 13
:14). There they began evangelizing the southern region of the province of
Galatia.
Then they entered a synagogue in Pisidia on the Sabbath day and sat down. Paul
stood up and proceeded to preach to them the history of redemption from Abraham
to Jesus. Many believed and urged him to speak on the next Sabbath.
During the week so much interest was stirred up that on the Sabbath "nearly
the whole city assembled to hear the word of God." Filled with envy because
of the desire of the Gentiles to hear, the Jews "began contradicting the
things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming," so Paul said, "We turn to
the gentiles...", and the apostles boldly proclaimed salvation to the
gentiles. Jewish opposition increased, and the apostles left Antioch (13:42-51).
Antioch of Pisidia was actually "near" rather than "in" Pisidia.
It became the chief administrative and military center for southern Galatia
after Emperor Augustus had made it a Roman colony. This city was an important
commercial center on the great trade route linking Ephesus on the coast with
Syria and the cities of Mesopotamia. It was also a place of pagan worship and
contained a great temple dedicated to Ascaenus, the chief deity of the city.
Antioch of Pisidia was a highly strategic place from which to spread the gospel.
Paul and Barnabas preached there and many believed.
As a result of their witness, "the word of the Lord spread throughout all the
whole region" (Acts 13:49).