Seleucia or Seleucia
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Topical Encyclopedia
Seleucia, an ancient city of significant historical and biblical relevance, is mentioned in the context of early Christian missionary journeys. Located near the mouth of the Orontes River, Seleucia served as the seaport for the city of Antioch in Syria. It was founded by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, and became a prominent city in the Seleucid Empire.

Biblical Reference:

Seleucia is specifically mentioned in the New Testament in the Book of Acts. In Acts 13:4 , it is recorded: "So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus." This passage highlights Seleucia as the departure point for the first missionary journey of Paul (formerly Saul) and Barnabas, marking a significant moment in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentile world.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Seleucia was strategically located, serving as a vital link between the Mediterranean Sea and the interior regions of Syria. Its harbor facilitated trade and travel, making it an essential hub for commerce and communication in the ancient world. The city's proximity to Antioch, a major center of early Christianity, underscores its importance in the missionary activities of the early Church.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

As a city within the Hellenistic world, Seleucia was influenced by Greek culture and thought, which were prevalent throughout the Seleucid Empire. This cultural backdrop provided a unique environment for the early Christian message, which often engaged with and challenged the prevailing philosophies and religious practices of the time.

Seleucia's role in the missionary journeys of Paul and Barnabas highlights the city's contribution to the expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish communities. The journey from Seleucia to Cyprus marked the beginning of a broader mission to the Gentiles, a pivotal development in the history of the early Church.

Archaeological Insights:

Archaeological excavations in the region have uncovered remnants of Seleucia's infrastructure, including its harbor and fortifications. These findings provide valuable insights into the city's layout and its role as a maritime center. The archaeological evidence supports the historical accounts of Seleucia's significance during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Legacy:

Seleucia's mention in the Book of Acts, though brief, underscores its role in the early Christian narrative. As the launching point for the first missionary journey, Seleucia is remembered as a gateway through which the message of Christ began to reach the wider world. Its historical and geographical significance continues to be a subject of interest for biblical scholars and historians alike.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Seleucia or Seleucia

(named after its founder, Seleucus), near the mouth of the Orontes, was practically the seaport of Antioch. The distance between the two towns was about 16 miles. St. Paul, with Barnabas, sailed from Seleucia at the beginning of his first missionary circuit. (Acts 13:4) This strong fortress and convenient seaport was constructed by the first Seleucus, and here he was buried. It retained its importance in Roman times and in St. Paul's day it had the privileges of a free city. The remains are numerous.

Greek
4581. Seleukeia -- Seleucia, a city of Syria
... Seleucia, a city of Syria. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Seleukeia
Phonetic Spelling: (sel-yook'-i-ah) Short Definition: Seleucia Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4581.htm - 6k
Library

Of the Synod at Seleucia, in Isauria.
... Book II. Chapter XXXIX."Of the Synod at Seleucia, in Isauria. But I must ...
This Seleucia was the capital of Isauria. [420] 359 ad ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter xxxix of the synod at.htm

Of the Council Held at Seleucia in Isauria.
... Book II. Chapter XXII."Of the Council held at Seleucia in Isauria. After
a time, at the suggestion of the accusers of Eudoxius ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xxii of the council held.htm

Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia.
... Chapter II. Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia. Part I. History of the Councils. ...
Proceedings at Seleucia; reflections on the conduct of the Arians. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/councils of ariminum and seleucia.htm

Council of Seleucia.
... Book IV. Chapter XXII."Council of Seleucia. About ... exile. We have now given a
brief account of the termination of the council of Seleucia. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xxii council of seleucia.htm

Acacius and Aetius; and How the Deputies of the Two Councils of ...
... Chapter XXIII."Acacius and A?�tius; and how the Deputies of the Two Councils of Ariminum
and of Seleucia were led by the Emperor to accept the Same Doctrines ...
/.../chapter xxiii acacius and aetius and.htm

Acacius, Bishop of C??sarea, Dictates a New Form of Creed in the ...
... Book II. Chapter XL."Acacius, Bishop of C??sarea, dictates a new Form of
Creed in the Synod at Seleucia. Acacius and his adherents ...
/.../chapter xl acacius bishop of caesarea.htm

Introduction to De Synodis.
... 4 apo tes nun hupateias) and of the fateful assemblies of Rimini and Seleucia. ... At
Ariminum the Nicene, at Seleucia the Semi-Arian cause carried all before it. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/introduction to de synodis.htm

How Simon Confederated Himself with Antiochus Pius, and Made War ...
... his enemies superior to him; for the soldiery hated him, and revolted from him to
Cleopatra, the wife of Demetrius, who was then shut up in Seleucia with her ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how simon confederated.htm

The Reason of any New Council Having Been Called.
... Sec. 12. Proceedings of the 160 at Seleucia Trachea. ... 29. Creed propounded by the
Acacians at Seleucia (359, the Dated' Creed revised in the Homoean sense). ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 1 the reason of.htm

Dragged on his Way
... At this crisis a lady named Seleucia offered to the sick and suffering martyr
the shelter of her villa, which was five miles distant. ...
/.../chapter liii dragged on his.htm

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

What does the Bible say about ordination? | GotQuestions.org

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