Antioch in Pisidia, distinct from its more famous counterpart in Syria, was a significant city in the Roman province of Galatia, located in what is now modern-day Turkey. This city played a notable role in the early Christian missionary journeys, particularly those of the Apostle Paul. It is here that Paul and Barnabas faced both initial success and subsequent persecution during their first missionary journey.

Biblical Account

The account of Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia is primarily found in the Book of Acts. After being sent out by the Holy Spirit from the church in Antioch of Syria, Paul and Barnabas traveled through Cyprus and then to the mainland of Asia Minor, eventually arriving in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:13-14). Upon their arrival, they went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, as was their custom, and Paul delivered a powerful sermon recounting the history of Israel and proclaiming Jesus as the promised Savior (Acts 13:16-41).

Initial Reception and Growing Opposition

Initially, the message was well-received. Many Jews and God-fearing Gentiles were intrigued and invited Paul and Barnabas to speak further on the next Sabbath (Acts 13:42-43). The following week, almost the entire city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. However, this large turnout incited jealousy among some of the Jewish leaders, who began to contradict Paul and heap abuse upon him (Acts 13:44-45).

In response to this opposition, Paul and Barnabas boldly declared that since the Jews rejected the message, they would turn to the Gentiles, fulfilling the prophecy that salvation would reach the ends of the earth (Acts 13:46-47). This declaration was met with joy by the Gentiles, and many believed, leading to the spread of the word of the Lord throughout the region (Acts 13:48-49).

Persecution and Expulsion

The success among the Gentiles only intensified the opposition from the Jewish leaders. They incited prominent women and leading men of the city to stir up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, ultimately driving them out of the region (Acts 13:50). Despite this forced departure, Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet as a testimony against them and went to Iconium, filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:51-52).

Significance in Early Christianity

The events in Antioch of Pisidia highlight the pattern of initial Jewish rejection and subsequent Gentile acceptance that characterized much of Paul's ministry. This city serves as a testament to the challenges faced by early Christian missionaries and the fulfillment of God's plan to extend salvation beyond the Jewish people to the Gentiles. The persecution in Antioch of Pisidia did not deter Paul and Barnabas but rather propelled them to continue their mission with renewed vigor, trusting in the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.Acts 13:14-52
But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
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2 Timothy 3:11
Persecutions, afflictions, which came to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
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Acts 14:19-22
And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
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Acts 18:22
And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
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