06.11. Cities and Areas
Cities and Areas As the Jews had been dispersed throughout the nations, they set up synagogues in various places. When the apostle Paul went on his missionary journeys, he had a habit of going to the synagogues in the various places to proclaim the Gospel there. One of the earliest letters of the New Testament was written by James to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion. This most likely refers to those believers that had been scattered after the stoning of Stephen. They were likely residing in areas outside of Judea in places like Antioch, Cyprus, Phoenicia and the like. Peter writes to those who are scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.
Alexandria
Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great. A large number of Jews settled there and were given special privileges. It was here that the Greek translation of the Old Testament occurred.
Antioch
Antioch was in Syria at the Northeast edge of the Mediterranean Sea. Acts 11:20 records that Antioch was the place where those that were scattered because of the persecution associated with Stephen first proclaimed the Gospel to the Gentiles. This is where Barnabas and Saul (Paul) spent time teaching. This was also the “home base” for Paul’s missionary journeys.
Athens
Athens had a long history and during the New Testament times was full of idols. Much time was spent discussing new ideas. It would appear that in this environment, not many people accepted the Gospel.
Caesarea
Herod the Great built a magnificent city and harbour where an earlier town was. It became the official home of the Roman Governors after Archelaus was removed and exiled. It was located Northwest of Samaria.
Colossae Colossae was a city in Asia Minor. This is one church that Paul did not start. It was founded by Epaphras.
Corinth Corinth was a city in Greece. The church there was established by Paul. It had a reputation for being morally corrupt.
Ephesus
Ephesus is on the West coast of Asia Minor. The church there was established by Priscilla and Aquila. Paul spent about three years there.
Galatia Galatia is a region in Asia minor. Paul travelled through this region during his missionary journeys.
Philippi
Philippi is between Asia Minor and Greece. It became a Roman colony with many Roman veterans settling there. The church was founded by Paul on his second missionary trip.
Samaria
Omri, the king of Israel, purchased the hill and built the city of Samaria on it. During New Testament times, the name Samaria also applied to a larger region.
Thessalonica Thessalonica also lay between Asia Minor and Greece and was established by Paul.