Pisidia
Pisidia is a region mentioned in the New Testament, located in the region of Asia Minor in modern-day Turkey. Known today as Antioch in Pisidia. It appears across 2 verses in Scripture.
Biblical History
Pisidia was a rugged mountainous region in southern Asia Minor that played a notable role in the expansion of early Christianity. The region first appears in Acts 13:14, when Paul and Barnabas traveled to Antioch in Pisidia during their first missionary journey. There, Paul delivered a landmark sermon in the synagogue tracing God's redemptive history from the exodus to the resurrection of Christ (Acts 13:16-41). The response was dramatic: many Jews and God-fearing Gentiles believed, but jealous Jewish leaders stirred up persecution, driving the apostles from the region (Acts 13:45-50). Despite this opposition, the word of the Lord spread throughout the entire area. Paul returned through Pisidia on his way back, strengthening the disciples and appointing elders in each church (Acts 14:21-23). In Acts 14:24, Pisidia is again mentioned as Paul and Barnabas passed through on their return to Antioch in Syria. The Pisidian mission exemplified the pattern of the gospel moving from synagogue to Gentile audiences that would characterize Paul's entire ministry.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
Pisidia occupied the lake district of the western Taurus Mountains in what is now the Isparta and Burdur provinces of Turkey. The most significant site is Antioch in Pisidia, located near modern Yalvac. Extensive excavations since the late nineteenth century have uncovered a Roman colony with a well-preserved imperial sanctuary, a theater, city gates, and an aqueduct. A fourth-century church dedicated to Paul has been identified, reflecting the city's early Christian heritage. Inscriptions confirm the city's status as a Roman colony established by Augustus. The region's mountainous terrain and vulnerability to banditry align with Paul's reference to dangers in his journeys (2 Corinthians 11:26). The site is now an open-air archaeological park.
Verse Appearances (2)
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →