### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G4581 (Seleúkeia) is a proper noun, specifically a toponym referring to a prominent port city in ancient Syria. Its etymology derives from "Seleucus," a common name among the rulers of the Seleucid Empire, particularly Seleucus I Nicator, who founded numerous cities bearing his name or the names of his family members. The base definition clearly identifies it as "Seleucia, a place in Syria," indicating its fixed geographical reference. In the biblical context, it refers to Seleucia Pieria, the port of Antioch on the Orontes River, situated near the river's mouth on the Mediterranean coast. Its semantic range is therefore limited to this specific geographical location, serving as a point of embarkation or disembarkation in maritime travel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4581 (Seleúkeia) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts.
* **[[Acts 13:4]]**: "So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus."
This single occurrence is critically significant as it marks the very beginning of Paul's (Saul's) first missionary journey. Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark, having been set apart by the Holy Spirit in Antioch of Syria, journeyed approximately 16 miles west to Seleucia. This city served as the strategic maritime gateway from Antioch to the wider Mediterranean world. From Seleucia, they embarked on their voyage to the island of Cyprus, initiating the outward expansion of the Gospel beyond the immediate Jewish-Christian communities. The mention of Seleucia underscores the practical logistics and geographical realities of early Christian missions, highlighting its role as a crucial transit point for the apostles' evangelistic endeavors.
### Related Words & Concepts
While G4581 (Seleúkeia) is a unique proper noun, its context relates it to several key concepts and other biblical terms:
* **Antioch (Syria):** The primary base for Paul's early missionary activities, from which Seleucia served as the port. See `{{G490}}` (Antiochia). The connection between Antioch as the sending church and Seleucia as the departure point is vital for understanding the initial spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles.
* **Cyprus:** The initial destination of Paul's first missionary journey after departing from Seleucia. See `{{G2954}}` (Kypros).
* **Missionary Journey:** The broader concept of the apostles' systematic efforts to spread the Christian message to new regions, for which Seleucia served as a literal starting point.
* **Ports and Maritime Travel:** The general concept of sea travel and the strategic importance of port cities in the ancient world for trade, communication, and, in this case, missionary expansion.
* **Divine Guidance:** The fact that the Holy Spirit "sent them out" ([[Acts 13:4]]) implies divine orchestration of their journey, including their use of Seleucia as a departure point.
### Theological Significance
While G4581 (Seleúkeia) itself, as a geographical proper noun, carries no inherent theological meaning, its singular mention in the biblical narrative holds profound theological significance within the broader context of the book of Acts:
* **The Launch Pad for Gentile Missions:** Seleucia represents the tangible point of departure for the Gospel's outward movement from its Jewish roots into the Gentile world. It symbolizes the physical manifestation of the Great Commission ([[Matthew 28:19-20]]) beginning to unfold across geographical boundaries.
* **Divine Orchestration of Mission:** The journey "down to Seleucia" was not arbitrary but occurred because they were "sent out by the Holy Spirit" ([[Acts 13:4]]). This highlights God's active involvement and strategic guidance in the geographical expansion of the early church. Even seemingly mundane details like a departure port are part of God's sovereign plan for global evangelism.
* **Practicality of Incarnational Ministry:** The use of a specific port city like Seleucia underscores the practical and incarnational nature of early Christian ministry. The Gospel was not spread abstractly but through real people, traveling through real places, using the existing infrastructure of the Roman world, demonstrating that God works within human realities.
* **Symbol of Transition:** Seleucia serves as a symbolic bridge—a point of transition from the established church in Antioch to the uncharted territories of the Gentile world. It represents the church's readiness to venture beyond its comfort zone in obedience to the divine call.
### Summary
G4581 (Seleúkeia) refers to Seleucia Pieria, the port city of Antioch in Syria. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Acts 13:4]] is profoundly significant, marking the precise geographical point from which Paul and Barnabas embarked on their first missionary journey. While a mere place name, Seleucia functions as the "launch pad" for the Gentile mission, symbolizing the practical and divinely orchestrated expansion of the Gospel from Antioch to the wider world. Its mention underscores the strategic use of ancient infrastructure for evangelism, the practical realities of early Christian travel, and the faithful obedience of the apostles in carrying the message of Christ across seas and lands. It stands as a silent witness to the beginning of the church's global reach.
TRV