### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Ἀττάλεια (Attáleia), Strong's number G825, refers exclusively to a specific geographical location: the city of Attalia. Its etymology traces back to Attalus II Philadelphus, a king of Pergamum (159-138 BC), who founded the city. As a proper noun, its semantic range is narrow and fixed, designating this significant port city located on the coast of Pamphylia, a region in southern Asia Minor. It served as a crucial maritime gateway for the interior regions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The city of Attalia is mentioned only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts: [[Acts 14:25]]. This solitary occurrence is found within the narrative of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey. After preaching the gospel in Perga of Pamphylia, the apostles traveled to Attalia, specifically to embark on a ship back to Antioch of Syria, their sending church. The passage states, "And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled." This context reveals Attalia's strategic importance as a major seaport, facilitating travel and communication in the ancient world. For the apostles, it marked a significant point of departure, concluding a pivotal phase of their evangelistic endeavors in Asia Minor.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, Attalia does not have direct lexical cognates in the way that verbs or abstract nouns might. However, it is intrinsically related to several key geographical and conceptual terms within the biblical narrative of the early church:
* **Pamphylia:** The region in which Attalia was situated, frequently mentioned in Acts (e.g., [[Acts 2:10]], [[Acts 13:13]], [[Acts 15:38]]).
* **Perga:** Another city in Pamphylia, often mentioned alongside Attalia in the missionary journeys, as Paul and Barnabas ministered there immediately before arriving in Attalia (e.g., [[Acts 13:13]], [[Acts 14:25]]).
* **Antioch (Syrian):** The home base and sending church for Paul and Barnabas, to which they returned via Attalia (e.g., [[Acts 11:26]], [[Acts 13:1]], [[Acts 14:26]]).
* **Missionary Journeys:** Attalia is a tangible point on the map of the apostolic expansion, symbolizing the practical logistics of travel and the spread of the gospel across geographical boundaries.
* **Ports/Seafaring:** The mention of sailing from Attalia underscores the vital role of maritime travel in the early church's evangelistic efforts.
### Theological Significance
While Attalia itself, as a city, does not carry intrinsic theological meaning in the way a concept like "grace" or "redemption" does, its mention in Scripture is theologically significant within the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan and the expansion of His kingdom.
1. **Divine Providence in Logistics:** The inclusion of Attalia highlights how God orchestrates the practical details of missionary work, using established trade routes and port cities to facilitate the spread of the gospel. Even seemingly mundane geographical points serve His overarching purpose.
2. **Gateway for the Gospel:** Attalia represents a crucial transit point, a "gateway" through which the apostles concluded a major phase of their mission. It symbolizes the continuous movement and dynamic nature of the early church, always pressing forward to fulfill the Great Commission.
3. **Witness to Apostolic Labor:** The city bears silent witness to the arduous journeys and dedicated labor of Paul and Barnabas. Their departure from Attalia marks the culmination of significant evangelistic and discipleship work in the interior of Asia Minor, underscoring the commitment required to proclaim the Good News.
4. **Completeness of Ministry:** Sailing from Attalia back to Antioch signifies the completion of a specific phase of ministry, allowing the apostles to report back to the church and prepare for future endeavors. This pattern of sending, ministering, and reporting is a foundational aspect of missional theology.
### Summary
Ἀττάλεια (Attáleia), G825, denotes the ancient port city of Attalia in Pamphylia, founded by Attalus II of Pergamum. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Acts 14:25]] positions it as the crucial departure point for Paul and Barnabas as they concluded their first missionary journey, sailing back to Antioch of Syria. Though a single reference, Attalia's inclusion underscores the practical realities of early Christian missions, serving as a vital logistical hub for apostolic travel. Theologically, it exemplifies God's providential use of geographical locations to facilitate the spread of the gospel, marking a significant waypoint in the dynamic expansion of the early church.
TRV