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Antioch of Pisidia

# 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).