Lexical Summary Attaleia: Attalia Original Word: Ἀττάλεια Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Attalia. From Attalos (a king of Pergamus); Attaleia, a place in Pamphylia -- Attalia. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Attalos (Attalus, a king of Pergamum) Definition Attalia, a city of Pamphylia NASB Translation Attalia (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 825: ἈττάλειαἈττάλεια (Ἀτταλλια T WH (see Iota)), Ἀτταλειας, ἡ, "Attalia], a maritime city of Pamphylia in Asia, very near the borders of Lycia, built and named by Attalus Philadelphus, king of Pergamum; now Antali (or Adalia; cf. Dict. of Geog.): Acts 14:25. Topical Lexicon Historical Background Attalia was founded in the second century BC by Attalus II Philadelphus of Pergamum and quickly became the primary harbor of Pamphylia on the southern coast of Asia Minor. Its naturally protected bay and proximity to inland trade routes made it a strategic maritime hub under Hellenistic, then Roman, administration. By the first century AD, the city flourished as a cosmopolitan port, hosting Greek, Roman, Jewish, and Anatolian populations and providing an essential link between the interior provinces and the wider Mediterranean world. Geographic and Cultural Setting Situated at the western edge of the Gulf of Pamphylia (modern Antalya), Attalia lay only a short overland distance from Perga and the Pisidian highlands beyond. The Taurus Mountains formed a dramatic backdrop, funneling trade and travel through a few key passes that connected inland Galatia and Lycaonia to the coast. Religious life reflected the city’s diversity: temples to Zeus, Artemis, and local Anatolian deities stood alongside a sizable synagogue community, evidenced by inscriptions and later rabbinic references. Such plurality set the stage for ready reception—and occasional resistance—to the gospel message. Biblical Context The only explicit mention of Attalia occurs in Acts 14:25, where Paul and Barnabas, completing the outward leg of the first missionary journey, “went down to Attalia” before sailing to their sending church in Syrian Antioch. The preceding verses describe ministry in Pisidia, Pamphylia, and Perga, culminating in a return to Syrian Antioch for a missionary report: “After they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. From there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.” (Acts 14:25-26) Missionary Significance in Acts 1. Completion of the Circuit: Attalia marks the final inland-to-coast segment of the journey that began months earlier in Seleucia Pieria (Acts 13:4). By mentioning the port, Luke underscores the intentionality of the missionary itinerary and the faithfulness of God in preserving His messengers across hostile and varied terrain. Later Christian History Early church fathers refer to a bishopric of Attalia by the third century, indicating that a community of believers eventually took root. Councils list “Theotimus of Attalia” among signatories at Nicaea (AD 325), suggesting continuity from the apostolic era. Byzantine fortifications and church ruins unearthed in the Kaleiçi district confirm a vibrant ecclesial presence through the medieval period. Theological Reflection Attalia illustrates how God weaves ordinary places and practical decisions into His redemptive narrative. A seemingly incidental port-of-departure becomes a milestone in Luke’s inspired record, reminding believers that every location—no matter how briefly mentioned—serves the unfolding mission of Christ. The single verse reinforces several doctrines: providence in travel (Proverbs 16:9), the unity of sending churches and missionaries (Philippians 4:15-16), and the global horizon of the gospel (Isaiah 49:6). Applications for Ministry Today • Steward Port Cities: Modern harbors, airports, and border crossings remain gateways for evangelism, humanitarian aid, and church planting. Faithful presence in such transient spaces can yield long-term gospel fruit. Though Attalia receives brief mention in Scripture, its role in the apostolic mission underscores timeless principles of strategic planning, divine guidance, and the unstoppable advance of the gospel from Jerusalem to “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Forms and Transliterations Ἀττάλειαν Ατταλιαν Ἀτταλίαν αττέλεβος ατυχών Attaleian AttáleianLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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