### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ταρσός (Tarsós), Strong's number `{{G5019}}`, functions exclusively as a proper noun in the New Testament, designating the ancient city of Tarsus. Located in the Roman province of Cilicia, in what is modern-day Turkey, Tarsus was a prominent urban center. The base definition suggests a possible etymological link to "a flat basket," but this etymology holds no semantic bearing on its usage in the biblical text, where its meaning is consistently and singularly that of the geographical location. Its semantic range is therefore limited to this specific city.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The city of Tarsus is mentioned five times in the book of Acts, always in direct relation to the Apostle Paul (Saul).
1. **[[Acts 9:11]]**: Following his dramatic conversion, the Lord instructs Ananias to find "Saul of Tarsus" in Damascus, indicating his place of origin. This initial reference establishes Tarsus as the birthplace and identifying characteristic of the man who would become the foremost apostle to the Gentiles.
2. **[[Acts 9:30]]**: After Saul's initial preaching in Jerusalem and a plot against his life, the brothers send him away to Tarsus for his safety. This demonstrates Tarsus as a known and safe refuge for Paul, likely due to his family connections or familiarity with the region.
3. **[[Acts 11:25]]**: Barnabas, seeking Saul's assistance in the burgeoning church in Antioch, travels specifically to Tarsus to find him. This implies that Tarsus was Saul's primary residence during this interim period between his conversion and his active missionary work with Barnabas.
4. **[[Acts 21:39]]**: When Paul is being questioned by the Roman commander in Jerusalem, he identifies himself, stating, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city." This declaration highlights Tarsus's notable status within the Roman Empire, suggesting it was a city of considerable importance, perhaps renowned for its intellectual life or Roman citizenship privileges.
5. **[[Acts 22:3]]**: In his defense before the Jewish crowd, Paul reiterates his origin: "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city [Jerusalem] at the feet of Gamaliel." This statement further emphasizes his Tarsian roots while also underscoring his rigorous Jewish education in Jerusalem, presenting a dual identity that shaped his ministry.
Contextually, Tarsus was a major Hellenistic city, famous for its university and philosophical schools, rivaling Athens and Alexandria as a center of learning. Paul's background as a "citizen of no ordinary city" and his likely exposure to Hellenistic thought, combined with his strict Pharisaic training, uniquely equipped him for his mission to both Jews and Gentiles.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, Ταρσός `{{G5019}}` does not have direct lexical relatives in the New Testament. However, it is conceptually linked to:
* **Cilicia**: The Roman province in which Tarsus was located, often mentioned in conjunction with the city (e.g., [[Acts 21:39]], [[Acts 22:3]]).
* **Paul's Identity**: Tarsus is foundational to understanding Paul's multifaceted background as a Jew, a Roman citizen, and an educated individual. This background allowed him to bridge cultural and religious divides.
* **Hellenism**: The city's status as a center of Greek culture and learning provides a backdrop for understanding Paul's intellectual capabilities and his ability to engage with Gentile audiences.
* **Places of Refuge/Preparation**: Tarsus served as a place of safety and perhaps a period of quiet preparation for Paul before God launched him into his extensive missionary journeys.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Tarsus lies almost entirely in its role as the birthplace and early refuge of the Apostle Paul.
1. **Divine Providence**: Tarsus exemplifies God's sovereign hand in preparing His chosen instruments. Paul's upbringing in a prominent Hellenistic city, combined with his Jewish heritage and Roman citizenship, was not accidental but divinely orchestrated to equip him for his unique mission to preach the Gospel to the Gentile world.
2. **Paul's Unique Background**: The "citizen of no ordinary city" ([[Acts 21:39]]) highlights the breadth of Paul's experience and education. This background allowed him to engage with diverse audiences, from the highly educated philosophers in Athens to the common people, demonstrating the adaptability of the Gospel message.
3. **A Place of Retreat and Growth**: The periods Paul spent in Tarsus (e.g., [[Acts 9:30]], [[Acts 11:25]]) can be seen as times of spiritual formation and reflection, where he likely deepened his understanding of the Gospel he had received directly from Christ, before embarking on his major missionary endeavors. God often uses periods of quiet withdrawal to prepare His servants for greater work.
4. **Universality of the Gospel**: The fact that the great Apostle to the Gentiles emerged from a city that was a crossroads of cultures underscores the universal reach of the Gospel, which transcends geographical, ethnic, and cultural boundaries.
### Summary
Ταρσός (Tarsós), Strong's number `{{G5019}}`, refers to the significant Roman city of Tarsus in Cilicia. Its biblical importance is primarily derived from its identity as the birthplace and a place of refuge for the Apostle Paul. Mentions in Acts consistently link Paul to Tarsus, highlighting his origins as "a citizen of no ordinary city." Theologically, Tarsus underscores God's meticulous providence in shaping Paul's unique background—combining Jewish heritage, Roman citizenship, and Hellenistic exposure—to equip him for his unparalleled ministry to the Gentiles. It also represents a period of quiet preparation for the Apostle before his active missionary endeavors, demonstrating how God uses diverse backgrounds and periods of retreat to prepare His chosen vessels for His divine purposes.
TRV