Cities & towns · Syria
Antioch
What was Antioch?
Antioch on the Orontes was the great city where believers were first called Christians and the first missionary journeys began.
TodayAntakya, southern Türkiye
RankThird city of the empire
First hereThe name “Christians”
RoleMissionary sending base
Third city of the Roman Empire, Antioch received scattered believers after Stephen’s death — and there the gospel leapt the ethnic line to the Greeks.
Barnabas and Saul taught the young church a full year, “and the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.”
While its prophets worshiped and fasted, the Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul” — and Antioch became the sending base of the mission to the Gentile world.
Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
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.” Acts 13:2 “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.””
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Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.