Global Mission: Ταρσεύς (Strong’s G5018: Tarseus) Links Heritage to Gospel

Strong’s G5018: A noun denoting “a citizen of Tarsus,” Ταρσεύς identifies Paul’s connection to a major cultural and educational center. This identity highlights how God used Paul’s multicultural background to advance the gospel throughout the Roman Empire.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ταρσεύς represents more than mere geographical origin; it signifies connection to a cosmopolitan center of learning and culture. In its New Testament context, particularly in Acts, this term identifies Paul’s strategic position at the intersection of Jewish, Greek, and Roman worlds. The designation carried significant weight, as Tarsus was renowned for its philosophical schools and cultural influence. The early church recognized this term’s significance in demonstrating how God prepared Paul for his unique ministry through his background. Today, it continues to illustrate how God uses believers’ cultural and educational backgrounds for His kingdom purposes.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Ταρσεύς, Tarseus, /tar-SYOOS/
• Phonetic Guide: “tar” as in “tar,” “syoos” as in “loose”
• Part of Speech: Noun (Masculine)

Etymology:

• From Ταρσός (Tarsos) – city name
• -εύς (-eus) – suffix indicating citizenship or origin

D – Defining Meanings

• Citizen of Tarsus
• One from Tarsus
• Tarsian

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but formed from city name with citizenship suffix

Translation Options:

• Tarsian – direct equivalent
• Citizen of Tarsus – explanatory
• Man of Tarsus – contextual

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Ταρσός (Tarsos) /TAR-sos/ – the city name itself
• πολίτης (politēs) /po-LEE-tace/ – “citizen” in general
  See G4177

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Varies (Nominative, Genitive, etc.)
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Third

As a proper noun denoting citizenship, it follows third declension patterns. In English, it typically remains “citizen of Tarsus” or “Tarsian.”

• Cross-references: None in biblical Greek as this is a unique geographical designation

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes Ταρσεύς’s significance in identifying Paul’s connection to a major cultural center. Thayer’s explores the term’s implications for Paul’s background and education. LSJ documents the word’s use in describing citizens of this important city. Vine’s highlights its appearance in Acts, connecting it to Paul’s ministry preparation. Strong’s notes its formation from the city name. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of similar citizenship designations in administrative documents, showing the formal nature of such identification.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Acts 9:11: “And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, a [Ταρσέα] Tarsian.”

Additional References:
Acts 21:39

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Strabo: Geography	“The learned [Ταρσεύς] Tarsian philosophers taught in the schools”
Plutarch: Lives	“A certain [Ταρσεύς] citizen of Tarsus spoke in the assembly”
Dio Chrysostom: Orations	“The [Ταρσεύς] Tarsian merchants traded throughout Asia”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ταρσεύς powerfully illustrates how God prepares His servants through their background and culture. This designation highlights Paul’s unique position at the crossroads of ancient civilizations. The good news shines through as we see how God sovereignly positioned His apostle to the Gentiles in a city that would equip him with the language, culture, and citizenship needed for his mission. It reminds us that our backgrounds and contexts are part of God’s preparation for ministry.

D – Did You Know?

1. Tarsus was a major center of Stoic philosophy in the first century.
2. Citizens of Tarsus had special privileges in the Roman Empire.
3. The city was known for its unique blend of Greek, Roman, and Oriental cultures.

Strong’s G5018: A noun denoting “a citizen of Tarsus,” Ταρσεύς identifies Paul’s connection to a major cultural and educational center. This identity highlights how God used Paul’s multicultural background to advance the gospel throughout the Roman Empire.

Part of speech: Noun (Masculine)

Tags: Tarsus, Paul’s background, cultural preparation, missionary preparation, citizenship, education, multicultural ministry, apostolic preparation, divine positioning, cultural influence​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​