What significance does Perga hold in Acts 13:13? Biblical Text “From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.” (Acts 13:13) Geographic and Historical Setting Perga lay about 12 km inland from the Mediterranean, positioned on the navigable Cestrus River, enabling ships to dock upstream. It served as the capital of Pamphylia Secunda under Rome, boasting a theater (seating c. 14,000), stadium, baths, and the grand Hellenistic gate unearthed by Istanbul University expeditions (1957–1987). Strabo (Geog. 14.4.2) and Ptolemy (Geog. 5.5.7) describe it as a principal commercial hub on the coast-to-Pisidia highway—an ideal springboard toward the interior, including Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14). Religious Landscape of Perga The dominant cult was Artemis Pergaia, whose temple stood on the acropolis. Coins from the reign of Hadrian depict her image with the stag, corroborating Luke’s detail that the city was distinctly pagan. By Luke’s day, a small Jewish community resided there (Josephus, Ant. 14.7.2), supplying a synagogue (implied by Acts 13:14). Thus Perga illustrates the Gentile-pagan context into which the gospel would penetrate. Perga in Paul’s First Missionary Journey Acts 13:13 marks three turning points: 1. Geographic—transition from Cyprus to Asia Minor. 2. Personnel—John Mark’s unexpected withdrawal. 3. Missional—beginning of Paul’s strategic advance to Gentile urban centers. Luke’s brevity (“where John left them”) accentuates the shock; yet the narrative resumes at Antioch without explaining motives, inviting readers to weigh later clues (Acts 15:37-39; 2 Timothy 4:11). John Mark’s Departure: Reasons and Ramifications Possible causes: • The considerable overland trek through the Taurus range (elev. c. 1,200 m) known for brigands (2 Corinthians 11:26). • Paul’s emerging leadership over Barnabas (note shift from “Barnabas and Saul,” Acts 13:2, 7, to “Paul and his companions,” v. 13). • A theological struggle over direct Gentile ministry (cf. Galatians 2:12). Mark’s exit later sparked the Barnabas-Paul rift (Acts 15:38-40), yet God redeemed it: Mark ultimately served Paul faithfully (Colossians 4:10-11; 2 Timothy 4:11), illustrating divine providence through human weakness. Strategic Gateway for the Gospel Paul consistently targeted key Roman centers linked by roads and ports (cf. Thessalonica, Corinth, Ephesus). Perga’s Roman road (Via Sebaste) led to Pisidian Antioch—administrative heart of Galatia—positioning the gospel for exponential spread (Acts 13:49). Modern GIS studies (see J. H. French, “Roman Roads of Asia Minor,” 2012) trace this exact artery, corroborating Luke’s itinerary and underscoring Acts’ historical accuracy. Fulfillment of Divine Mission Isaiah 49:6 promised a “light for the Gentiles”; Perga stands as an early Gentile recipient. The Spirit-directed route (Acts 13:2-4) shows God orchestrating geography, culture, and politics to advance salvation history—validating Romans 1:16 that the gospel is “first to the Jew, then to the Greek.” Archaeological Corroboration • Inscriptions honor Plancia Magna, a 2nd-century civic benefactress; the precision of Luke’s civic titles elsewhere (e.g., “politarchs,” Acts 17:6) is mirrored here by accurate regional designations (“Pamphylia”). • A 5th-century basilica just inside the Hellenistic gate, with baptistery and mosaic cross (excavated 1994–2003), attests to long-term Christian presence, rooting later church growth in Paul’s initial visit (Acts 14:24-25). • The city’s bath complex bears a cross-inscribed lintel reused from a pagan structure, illustrating tangible conversion of public space. Medical and Environmental Considerations Pamphylia’s coastal marshes bred malaria. Many scholars link Paul’s later reference to bodily illness while preaching to the Galatians (Galatians 4:13-15) to an infection contracted in Perga, explaining the swift ascent to cooler Antioch. This aligns with missionary realism: gospel advance involves physical cost—yet God’s strength prevails (2 Corinthians 12:9). Lessons for Evangelism Today 1. Select strategic centers yet remain Spirit-led. 2. Expect personnel challenges; maintain forgiveness and restoration. 3. Proclaim Christ amid hostile worldviews; the gospel confronts yet redeems culture. 4. Trust God to weave setbacks (Mark’s departure, illness) into His redemptive plan. Summary Perga in Acts 13:13 is far more than a travel waypoint. It is a historically verifiable city strategically situated for the gospel, a crucible for missionary testing, a testimony to Luke’s reliability, and a vivid illustration of God’s unbroken plan to bring salvation through Christ to the ends of the earth. |
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