### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Antiócheia**, represented by `{{G490}}`, refers to a city named for a Syrian king. It appears **18 times** across **17 unique verses** in the Bible and designates two distinct, historically significant cities: Antioch in Syria and Antioch in Pisidia. Both locations play a crucial role in the narrative of the early church's expansion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Antioch of Syria emerges as a pivotal center for the early Christian movement. It is the city where disciples were first **called** `{{G5537}}` **Christians** `{{G5546}}` [[Acts 11:26]]. Following the **persecution** `{{G2347}}` surrounding Stephen, believers who were **scattered abroad** `{{G1289}}` traveled as far as Antioch, initially **preaching** `{{G2980}}` only to **Jews** `{{G2453}}` [[Acts 11:19]]. However, it became the first major location where the gospel was also preached to the **Grecians** `{{G1675}}` [[Acts 11:20]]. The city served as a missionary hub, from which Paul and Barnabas were sent out and to which they returned after their journeys [[Acts 14:26]]. It was also the site of a significant confrontation where **Paul** `{{G3972}}` **withstood** `{{G436}}` **Peter** `{{G4074}}` over the inclusion of Gentiles [[Galatians 2:11]]. Meanwhile, Antioch in Pisidia was a key stop on Paul's first missionary journey, where he faced **persecutions** `{{G1375}}` [[2 Timothy 3:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context surrounding Antioch's importance:
* `{{G1577}}` **ekklēsía** (church): The **church** at Antioch became a prominent and influential congregation, home to many **prophets** `{{G4396}}` and **teachers** `{{G1320}}` [[Acts 13:1]]. It received guidance from the **apostles** `{{G652}}` and **elders** `{{G4245}}` in Jerusalem [[Acts 15:22]].
* `{{G5546}}` **Christianós** (Christian): This term, meaning a follower of Christ, was first used to describe the **disciples** `{{G3101}}` in Antioch, marking a key moment in the formation of the church's identity [[Acts 11:26]].
* `{{G1484}}` **éthnos** (Gentile): Antioch of Syria was a critical launching point for the gospel to reach the **Gentiles**. The Jerusalem council sent an **epistle** `{{G1992}}` specifically to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia [[Acts 15:23]].
* `{{G1375}}` **diōgmós** (persecution): Paul recounts the **persecutions** and **afflictions** `{{G3804}}` he endured in Antioch of Pisidia, highlighting the opposition faced as the gospel spread [[2 Timothy 3:11]].
### Theological Significance
The historical significance of `{{G490}}` is immense, as it marks a turning point for the early church.
* **Hub for Gentile Ministry:** Antioch of Syria became the first major center where the gospel was intentionally preached to non-Jews, establishing a vibrant, mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers [[Acts 11:20-21]].
* **A Strategic Missionary Base:** The church in Antioch commissioned and sent out Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, demonstrating its role as a strategic base for the expansion of Christianity [[Acts 14:26]].
* **Origin of a New Identity:** It was in Antioch that the followers of **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` were first called **Christians** `{{G5546}}`, distinguishing them as a unique group and solidifying their public identity [[Acts 11:26]].
* **Site of Apostolic Clarification:** The city was the setting for a crucial debate between Paul and Peter regarding faith and the law, which helped clarify the terms of inclusion for Gentiles within the church [[Galatians 2:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G490}}` **Antiócheia** is more than just a place name; it represents a critical stage in the development of the early church. From Antioch of Syria, the gospel spread to the **Gentiles** `{{G1484}}`, the name **Christian** `{{G5546}}` was born, and missionary work was launched. The events that unfolded in both Antiochs were instrumental in shaping the identity, theology, and expansion of the Christian faith throughout the world.
TRV