Seleuceia
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Seleucia, an ancient city of significant historical and biblical relevance, was one of the many cities founded by Seleucus I Nicator, a general of Alexander the Great and the founder of the Seleucid Empire. The city is most notably referenced in the context of the early Christian church and the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul.

Geographical and Historical Context

Seleucia, often referred to as Seleucia Pieria, was strategically located on the Orontes River near the Mediterranean coast, serving as the seaport for the city of Antioch in Syria. This location made it a vital hub for trade and military operations in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The city was known for its impressive harbor and fortifications, which played a crucial role in its economic and strategic importance.

Biblical Significance

Seleucia is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the missionary activities of the early church. In the Book of Acts, Seleucia is noted as the departure point for Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. Acts 13:4 states, "So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus." This passage highlights Seleucia's role as a launching point for the spread of the Gospel to the Gentile world, marking a significant moment in the history of early Christianity.

Cultural and Religious Influence

As a city under the influence of Hellenistic culture, Seleucia was a melting pot of Greek, Roman, and local traditions. This cultural diversity provided a unique backdrop for the early Christian message, which sought to transcend ethnic and cultural boundaries. The presence of a Jewish community in nearby Antioch, along with the city's openness to new ideas, likely facilitated the spread of Christianity in the region.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological excavations in the area have uncovered remnants of the city's infrastructure, including its harbor, city walls, and public buildings. These findings provide insight into the urban planning and architectural achievements of the Seleucid and Roman periods. The city's ruins, though not as extensively excavated as some other ancient sites, continue to offer valuable information about the historical context in which the early church operated.

Legacy

Seleucia's legacy is intertwined with the broader narrative of the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire. As a key location in the missionary journeys of Paul, it represents the early church's commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission, as instructed by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20 : "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you."

In summary, Seleucia serves as a testament to the dynamic interplay of culture, commerce, and faith in the ancient world, and its mention in the New Testament underscores its role in the foundational period of Christian history.
Greek
4581. Seleukeia -- Seleucia, a city of Syria
... Seleucia. From Seleukos (Seleucus, a Syrian king); Seleuceia, a place in Syria --
Seleucia. (seleukeian) -- 1 Occurrence. 4580, 4581. Seleukeia. 4582 . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4581.htm - 6k
Library

The Gathering Storm
... of food. Ships from every port of the Mediterranean poured the abundance of
many lands into her harbour of Seleuceia. Wealthy proprietors ...
/.../chapter i the gathering storm.htm

General Council of Nic??a.
... the time of Constantine, Cilicia was divided into three districts; Cilicia Prima,
with Tarsus for chief town; Secunda, with Anazarbus; Tertia, with Seleuceia. ...
/.../chapter vi general council of nicaea.htm

Thesaurus
Seleuceia (1 Occurrence)
...Seleuceia (1 Occurrence). Acts 13:4 They therefore, being thus sent out by the Holy
Spirit, went down to Seleuceia, and from there sailed to Cyprus. (WEY). ...
/s/seleuceia.htm - 6k

Seleucia (1 Occurrence)

/s/seleucia.htm - 10k

Selemias

/s/selemias.htm - 6k

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