Biblical city
Antioch
Antakya, Türkiye · Syria
The third city of the Roman Empire, Syrian Antioch became the first center of the Gentile mission, the place where believers were first called Christians, and the sending church for Paul's journeys (Acts 11:19-26; 13:1-3).
History in Scripture
Believers were first called Christians at Antioch (Acts 11:26). Barnabas and Paul taught there, it sent out the first missionary journeys, and it later hosted major church councils and theologians.
The ancient city
The third city of the Roman Empire after Rome and Alexandria, Antioch lay on the Orontes with a port at Seleucia, a colonnaded main street and a large Jewish community — ideal conditions for a mixed Jewish and Gentile church.
The site today
Antakya in Türkiye preserves the rock-cut Church of St Peter and a world-class mosaic museum. The city was severely damaged in the 2023 earthquakes and is being rebuilt.
Key passages
Sources & notes
Description summarizes standard historical and archaeological reference works. Imagery is added separately and is labeled by type.