The Greek word Seleúkeia, represented by G4581, is a proper noun for Seleucia, a place in Syria. It is derived from Seleucus, a Syrian king. This location is mentioned 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, identifying it as a specific geographical point in the early church's missionary activities.
The sole appearance of G4581 is in Acts, where it marks the beginning of a pivotal missionary journey. After being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, the disciples departed unto Seleucia. From this port city, it is noted that from thence they sailed to Cyprus Acts 13:4. This places Seleucia as the specific geographical launch point for the church's first formal mission to foreign lands.
Several related words help frame the context of the journey involving Seleucia:
- G1599 ekpémpō (to despatch): Used to describe the disciples being sent away (forth) by the Holy Ghost, initiating their journey Acts 13:4.
- G2718 katérchomai (to come (or go) down): This verb marks their travel to the coast, translated as departed in the passage as they made their way unto Seleucia Acts 13:4.
- G636 apopléō (to set sail): This specifies the action taken from Seleucia, showing it was a port from which they could sail away toward Cyprus Acts 13:4.
The narrative significance of G4581 is tied to its specific role in the book of Acts.
- Gateway for the Gospel: Seleucia's primary significance is its role as the port of departure for the first missionary journey. It is the physical location from which the mission, directed by the Holy Ghost G4151, was launched Acts 13:4.
- A Spirit-Led Mission: The journey begins with the disciples being explicitly "sent forth" G1599 by the Holy Ghost Acts 13:4. Seleucia is the first named location in this divinely commissioned work, underscoring its place in a Spirit-led narrative.
- Link to Cyprus: The city serves as the crucial geographical link between the mainland and the island of Cyprus G2954, the first destination of this new missionary effort Acts 13:4.
In summary, Seleúkeia G4581 is a Syrian port city with a singular but significant mention in the New Testament. It is not a theological concept but a real-world location whose importance is derived entirely from its role in the book of Acts. Its mention marks the critical moment when the early church, under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit, began its first intentional missionary journey by sea, making Seleucia the starting point for carrying the gospel to new lands.
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