Pamphylia: Paul Goes To
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Pamphylia, an ancient region located in what is now modern-day southern Turkey, holds significant importance in the New Testament narrative, particularly in the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. This coastal region, bordered by the Taurus Mountains to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, was known for its diverse population and cultural influences, including Greek, Roman, and indigenous elements.

Biblical Context

Pamphylia is mentioned in the Book of Acts, which details the early church's expansion and the missionary efforts of the apostles. The region is specifically noted during Paul's first missionary journey. In Acts 13:13, we read, "Paul and his companions sailed from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem" . This passage marks a pivotal moment in the journey, as John Mark's departure from the group would later become a point of contention between Paul and Barnabas.

Paul's Missionary Journey

Paul's visit to Pamphylia was part of a broader mission to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles. The journey began in Antioch, and after traveling through Cyprus, Paul and his companions arrived in Perga, the capital of Pamphylia. Although the biblical account does not provide extensive details about their activities in Perga, it is understood that Paul and Barnabas preached the Gospel, as was their custom in every city they visited.

After their time in Perga, Paul and Barnabas continued their journey to Pisidian Antioch, as recorded in Acts 13:14. The strategic location of Pamphylia, with its access to the sea and its position along major trade routes, made it an ideal region for the dissemination of the Christian message.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Pamphylia was a melting pot of cultures, which presented both opportunities and challenges for early Christian missionaries. The region's population included Greeks, Romans, and native Pamphylians, each with their own religious practices and beliefs. This diversity required Paul and his companions to be adaptable in their approach to evangelism, often starting their ministry in local synagogues before reaching out to the Gentile population.

The presence of Roman authority in Pamphylia also meant that Paul and his companions had to navigate the complexities of Roman law and governance. The Pax Romana, or Roman Peace, facilitated travel and communication across the empire, aiding the spread of Christianity. However, it also meant that the early Christians had to be cautious of potential persecution from both Roman officials and local religious leaders.

Legacy

Paul's journey through Pamphylia, though briefly mentioned in the Scriptures, played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity throughout Asia Minor. The seeds planted during this missionary journey contributed to the establishment of Christian communities that would endure and grow in the following centuries. The region's inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores the universal scope of the Gospel message and the early church's commitment to reaching all peoples, regardless of cultural or geographical boundaries.
Nave's Topical Index
Acts 13:13,14
Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
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Acts 14:24
And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
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Library

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians
... But it is extremely probable that he left the damp lowlands of Pamphylia for the ...
Paul goes on to show that the promise made by God to Abraham binds Him still. ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xii the epistle of.htm

From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
... John Mark left them in Pamphylia and returned home. ... How long Paul remained at Antioch
at the close of the ... He, therefore, goes fully into the work at Ephesus. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xx from antioch to.htm

A Good Man's Faults
... But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia,
and went ... practical righteousness and holiness, yet goes sadly astray ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a good mans faults.htm

Acts xv. 35
... with them that had departed from them from Pamphylia." (a) And ... and perhaps did not
extremely need him (Paul), but thither ... And now he crosses over and goes forth ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxiv acts xv 35.htm

Gospel Missions
... he should be the great preacher of Pamphylia and Pisidia ... The world respects an
Englishman wherever he goes; he has ... might be some respect paid to Paul, for he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/gospel missions.htm

Marcus, My Son
... and one Gentile, 'Marcus.' But as time goes on we ... The writer of the Acts puts Paul's
view of the case ... with them who withdrew from them from Pamphylia, and went ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/marcus my son.htm

Acts xxvi. 30-32
... sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to ... part advised" (v.12) as
they did, rather than Paul. ... they may not forget, the vessel also goes to pieces ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liii acts xxvi 30-32.htm

From the Two Books on the Promises.
... But the writer says: "Now when Paul and his ... Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia:
and John ... diverge inconsistently from his subjects, but goes through them ...
/.../dionysius/the works of dionysius/i from the two books on.htm

The Design and Unity of Luke's History
... the secluded and unimportant Province Pamphylia, into the ... accepted interpretation,
utter ignorance of Paul's views? ... When it goes wrong it demonstrates its own ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 2 the design and.htm

Pentecost
... and Asia, 10 in Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt ... the point more clearly, we cite Paul's
distinction of ... styled "written" or "literal" because it goes no farther ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/pentecost.htm

Resources
Who was John Mark in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Was the Apostle Paul actually a false prophet? | GotQuestions.org

What happened on Paul's first missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org

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