Understanding Ἀντιόχεια (Antiocheia) Strong’s G490: The Ancient City Where Believers Were First Called Christians

Pronunciation Guide: an-tee-OCH-ei-ah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G490: Antioch – the name of two cities mentioned in the New Testament: 1) The capital of Syria, situated on the Orontes River, founded by Seleucus Nicator and named in honor of his father Antiochus; 2) A city in Pisidia founded by Seleucus Nicator, modern-day central Turkey. Both cities played pivotal roles in early Christian missionary activity and church establishment.

Etymology and Morphology

• Proper noun
• Origin: Greek, from Ἀντίοχος (Antiochus)
• Primary usage in historical narrative sections
• Frequently appears in missionary journey accounts
• Used in both literal geographic and symbolic contextual references

Ἀντιόχεια Morphology:

• Ἀντιόχεια (nominative singular) – Antioch
• Ἀντιοχείας (genitive singular) – of Antioch
• Ἀντιοχείᾳ (dative singular) – in/at Antioch
• Ἀντιόχειαν (accusative singular) – to Antioch

Origin & History

The name Ἀντιόχεια derives from Antiochus, father of Seleucus I Nicator who founded Syrian Antioch in 300 BCE. The city quickly became one of the largest and most important cities in the Hellenistic world, earning the nickname “Queen of the East.” Classical authors like Libanius praised its beauty and sophistication in his work “Antiochikos,” while Josephus in his “Antiquities of the Jews” detailed its significant Jewish population and their privileges within the city.

In the Septuagint, Ἀντιόχεια appears in the books of Maccabees, highlighting its significance in Jewish history during the Seleucid period. The city maintained its prominence through the Roman period, becoming the third-largest city in the Roman Empire after Rome and Alexandria.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Capital city of Roman Syria
• Major center of Hellenistic and Roman culture
• Strategic hub for early Christian missionary activity
• Symbol of multicultural Christian community formation

Ἀντιόχεια Translation Options:

• “Antioch” – Standard English translation preserving historical identity
• “Antakya” – Modern Turkish name for Syrian Antioch
• “Antioch-on-the-Orontes” – Distinguishing designation for Syrian Antioch
• “Pisidian Antioch” – Specific designation for the Antioch in Asia Minor
• “Antioch of Syria” – Biblical designation emphasizing location

Biblical Usage

Ἀντιόχεια first appears in Acts 11:19 during the scattering of believers following Stephen’s martyrdom. The city becomes central to the narrative of early Christianity as the birthplace of Gentile Christianity and the launching point for Paul’s missionary journeys.

Syrian Antioch emerges as a pivotal location where the gospel transitions from a predominantly Jewish movement to include Gentiles. In Acts 11:26, it becomes the first place where followers of the Messiah were called “Christians.”

Key Biblical References:

• “Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch [Ἀντιόχεια].” Acts 11:19
• “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch [Ἀντιόχεια].” Acts 11:26
• “In the church at Antioch [Ἀντιόχεια] there were prophets and teachers.” Acts 13:1
• “From Antioch [Ἀντιόχεια] they sailed to Cyprus.” Acts 13:4
• “They passed through Pisidia to Antioch [Ἀντιόχεια].” Acts 14:24

Cultural Insights

Syrian Antioch was renowned for its unique cultural synthesis of Greek, Roman, Syrian, and Jewish influences. The city’s location along the Silk Road made it a melting pot of cultures and religions. Archaeological evidence reveals a prosperous Jewish quarter and numerous synagogues, explaining why it became a natural center for early Christian evangelism.

The nickname “Christians” (Χριστιανοί) first given to believers in Antioch reflects the city’s tendency to create nicknames for social groups. This Greek-style formation (-ianos ending) suggests it was coined by Gentiles observing this new movement, possibly initially as a derogatory term that believers later embraced.

Theological Significance

Antioch represents divine providence in expanding the Kingdom beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries. The city’s role in early Christianity demonstrates God’s sovereign plan to make the gospel universal, not limited to Jerusalem or Jewish contexts. The successful integration of Jewish and Gentile believers in Antioch’s church became a model for Christian unity and multicultural ministry.

The emergence of Antioch as a missionary-sending center also illustrates the Holy Spirit’s pattern of establishing strategic hubs for gospel advancement. This parallels the prophetic vision of Isaiah 2:3, where the Word of the Lord goes forth from Zion to all nations.

Personal Application

The story of Antioch challenges us to embrace diversity in our faith communities and recognize how God uses unexpected places and people to advance His kingdom. Just as Antioch became a launching pad for world missions, we should view our local congregations as potential centers for global impact.

Consider how your own community might become an “Antioch” – a place where cultural barriers are bridged, disciples are made, and missionaries are sent forth. The legacy of Antioch reminds us that transformative ministry often happens at the intersection of different cultures and backgrounds.

Related Words

• Χριστιανός (Christianos) – pronunciation: khris-tee-an-OS’ – “Christian,” first used in Antioch See G5546
• ἐκκλησία (ekklesia) – pronunciation: ek-klay-SEE-ah – “church,” describing the Antioch congregation See G1577
• μαθητής (mathetes) – pronunciation: math-ay-TACE – “disciple,” describing believers in Antioch See G3101
• ἀπόστολος (apostolos) – pronunciation: ap-OS-tol-os – “apostle,” sent from Antioch See G652

Did you Know?

• Archaeological excavations have uncovered the ancient street called the Colonnaded Street (Plateia) in Antioch, which Paul and Barnabas would have walked during their ministry there. This main thoroughfare was lined with marble columns and covered walkways, showcasing the city’s grandeur.
• The Antioch school of biblical interpretation, which emphasized literal and historical understanding of Scripture, became one of the most influential early Christian theological traditions, contrasting with the more allegorical approach of Alexandria.
• Modern-day Antakya (ancient Syrian Antioch) still contains a Christian quarter, and until recent times maintained some of the oldest continuous Christian communities in the world, tracing their origins back to the apostolic age.

Remember This

Antioch stands as an eternal testament to God’s power to transform a pagan metropolis into a launching pad for worldwide gospel proclamation, reminding us that any place can become a center for divine purpose when yielded to His will.