Topical Bible: Paul: Visits Seleucia

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Introduction

The Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the early Christian Church, embarked on several missionary journeys to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the significant locations associated with his travels is Seleucia, a port city that played a crucial role in the dissemination of Christianity in the first century. This entry explores Paul's visit to Seleucia, its biblical context, and its significance in the broader narrative of the Acts of the Apostles.

Biblical Context

Seleucia is mentioned in the Book of Acts as part of Paul's first missionary journey. The city served as the seaport for Antioch, a major center of early Christianity. The account of Paul's visit to Seleucia is found in Acts 13:4: "So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus" . This passage highlights the strategic importance of Seleucia as a launching point for missionary activities.

Historical and Geographical Background

Seleucia, known as Seleucia Pieria, was located near the mouth of the Orontes River on the Mediterranean coast. Founded by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, the city was a vital hub for trade and communication in the Hellenistic world. Its proximity to Antioch made it an essential gateway for travelers and merchants, facilitating the spread of ideas and cultures.

Paul's Missionary Strategy

Paul's visit to Seleucia underscores his strategic approach to missionary work. By choosing Seleucia as a departure point, Paul and his companion Barnabas could efficiently reach the island of Cyprus, a significant early target for evangelization. This decision reflects Paul's broader strategy of targeting major urban centers and trade routes to maximize the impact of his missionary efforts.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The passage in Acts emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding Paul's journey. The phrase "sent forth by the Holy Spirit" (Acts 13:4) indicates that Paul's mission was divinely ordained and directed. This underscores the belief that Paul's travels were not merely human endeavors but were part of God's sovereign plan to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Significance in the Early Church

Paul's visit to Seleucia marks the beginning of his first missionary journey, a pivotal moment in the history of the early Church. This journey set the stage for the expansion of Christianity beyond the Jewish communities and into the Gentile world. Seleucia, as the starting point, symbolizes the Church's transition from a predominantly Jewish movement to a universal faith.

Conclusion

While the biblical account of Paul's visit to Seleucia is brief, its implications are profound. Seleucia served as a critical juncture in the spread of Christianity, illustrating the early Church's commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul and his companions embarked on a journey that would change the course of history, beginning with their departure from this significant port city.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 13:4
So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Heralds of the Gospel
... by the brethren in Antioch, "departed unto Seleucia; and from ... It was during one of
these visits of the ... mother's home, that Mark proposed to Paul and Barnabas ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 17 heralds of the.htm

General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History.
... Cucusus, Paul, bishop of Constantinople strangled at, [640 ... Dositheus, bishop of Seleucia,
[734]173 ... Edesius, visits 'India' (Ethiopia), aids in the dissemination ...
/.../general index to socrates ecclesiastical.htm

General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History.
... 2462]315; deposed by council of Seleucia, [2463]318 ... at latter's death, [2554]250;
visits Alexander, [2555 ... Apocalypse, of Paul, [2566]214; [2567]390; tradition of ...
/.../general index to sozomens ecclesiastical.htm

His Missionary Travels
... eighty miles to the southwest of Seleucia, the seaport ... thrilling as are the notices
of Paul's career given ... over, for instance, all his repeated visits to the ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter vi his missionary travels.htm

A Sketch of the Life of S. Gregory of Nyssa.
... He retires to Seleucia. ... Paul, not to sorrow as those who had no hope. ... On this same
journey he visits Jerusalem and its sacred scenes: it has been conjectured ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter i a sketch of the.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... Nor was she long able to endure the visits and crowded ... crossing the narrow sea she
landed at Seleucia, and going ... over the sands of Tyre on which Paul had once ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... that, if S. Gregory had been still at Seleucia, no reason ... Paul in the struggle, it
is to Paul that thanks ... which comes from action; he paid visits, sent messages ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm