Attaleia
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Attaleia, known today as Antalya, is an ancient city located on the southwestern coast of modern-day Turkey. It was founded by Attalus II Philadelphus, the king of Pergamon, in the 2nd century BC. The city served as a significant port and commercial hub in the region of Pamphylia, which was known for its strategic location along the Mediterranean Sea.

Biblical Significance

Attaleia is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys. In the Book of Acts, it is recorded that Paul and Barnabas visited Attaleia during their first missionary journey. After preaching the Gospel in various cities, they traveled to Attaleia before returning to their home base in Antioch. The relevant passage is found in Acts 14:25-26 : "And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attaleia. From Attaleia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed."

Historical and Cultural Context

During the Roman period, Attaleia was an important city in the province of Pamphylia. Its harbor facilitated trade and communication across the Mediterranean, making it a melting pot of various cultures and peoples. The city's prosperity was largely due to its strategic location, which allowed it to thrive as a center of commerce and trade.

The city was also known for its pagan religious practices, which were prevalent in the region before the spread of Christianity. The presence of Paul and Barnabas in Attaleia highlights the early efforts of the apostles to spread the Christian faith in areas dominated by Greco-Roman religious traditions.

Archaeological Insights

Modern archaeological excavations in Antalya have uncovered remnants of the ancient city, including Roman structures, city walls, and other artifacts that provide insight into the life and culture of Attaleia during the Roman era. These findings help to corroborate the historical accounts found in the New Testament and offer a glimpse into the environment in which early Christian missionaries operated.

Theological Implications

The brief mention of Attaleia in the Book of Acts underscores the expansive reach of the early Christian mission. It illustrates the apostles' commitment to spreading the Gospel to the Gentile world, fulfilling the Great Commission as instructed by Jesus Christ. The journey of Paul and Barnabas through cities like Attaleia reflects the transformative power of the Gospel and its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.

Attaleia serves as a testament to the early church's dedication to evangelism and the establishment of Christian communities in diverse regions. The city's inclusion in the biblical narrative highlights the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the pivotal role of travel and communication in the dissemination of Christian teachings.
Greek
825. Attaleia -- Attalia, a city of Pamphylia
... 824, 825. Attaleia. 826 . ... Attalia. From Attalos (a king of Pergamus); Attaleia,
a place in Pamphylia -- Attalia. (attaleian) -- 1 Occurrence. 824, 825. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/825.htm - 6k
Library

Paul and Barnabas in Foreign Lands
... Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia, and after preaching in Perga,
they went down to Attaleia. From there they set sail for Antioch. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/paul and barnabas in foreign.htm

Thesaurus
Attaleia (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Attaleia (1 Occurrence). Acts 14:25 and after telling
the Message at Perga they came down to Attaleia. (WEY). ...
/a/attaleia.htm - 6k

Attalia (1 Occurrence)

/a/attalia.htm - 8k

Attains (2 Occurrences)

/a/attains.htm - 6k

Telling (89 Occurrences)
... that is in them; (See NIV). Acts 14:25 and after telling the Message at
Perga they came down to Attaleia. (WEY). Acts 15:12 All the ...
/t/telling.htm - 31k

Message (222 Occurrences)
... to be done by them. (WEY NIV). Acts 14:25 and after telling the Message
at Perga they came down to Attaleia. (WEY). Acts 15:7 and ...
/m/message.htm - 34k

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