Perga
Perga is an ancient city mentioned in the New Testament, located in the region of Asia Minor in modern-day Turkey. It appears across 3 verses in Scripture.
Biblical History
Perga was an important city of Pamphylia in southern Asia Minor, featuring prominently in the missionary journeys of the apostle Paul. During the first missionary journey, Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark sailed from Paphos on Cyprus to Perga (Acts 13:13). It was at Perga that John Mark departed from the group and returned to Jerusalem, a decision that later caused a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37-39). Paul and Barnabas continued inland to Pisidian Antioch and other cities. On their return journey, the missionaries came back to Perga and preached the word there before proceeding to the nearby port of Attalia (Acts 14:25). Perga thus served as a gateway between the Mediterranean coast and the interior highlands of Asia Minor, a natural transit point for travelers heading to the cities of Galatia. Though Scripture records no specific converts or church planting at Perga, the gospel was proclaimed there, contributing to the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman province of Pamphylia.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
Perga is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Turkey, located approximately 15 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean coast near modern Antalya. Extensive excavations have revealed a magnificent Hellenistic gate complex, a colonnaded street, a large Roman theater seating 15,000, a well-preserved stadium, elaborate Roman baths, an agora, and a monumental nymphaeum. The city was renowned in antiquity for its temple of Artemis Pergaia. The site's impressive remains demonstrate the prosperity and cultural significance of the city during the Roman period when Paul visited. The ruins are now an open-air archaeological park and a major tourist destination in the Antalya region.
Verse Appearances (3)
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →