During his missionary journeys, the Apostle Paul traveled through many important cities of the ancient world. These cities were centers of trade, culture, religion, and government. By preaching in these places, Paul helped spread Christianity across the Roman Empire. Many of these cities still exist today, often under modern names Sofia Guided Tours.
Antioch of Syria
Antioch was the capital of ancient Syria and one of the most important cities in the eastern part of the Roman Empire. Today, it is known as Antakya in southern Turkey. Antioch played a key role in early Christianity. It was here that believers were first called Christians. Paul used Antioch as his main base for missionary journeys.
Lystra and Derbe
Lystra was a city in the ancient region of Lycaonia, near modern Konya in Turkey. In Lystra, Paul healed a man who had been crippled from birth. This miracle caused the people to think Paul and Barnabas were gods. Later, Paul was stoned there but survived.
Derbe was another city in the same region. Paul preached there after leaving Lystra. Many people believed in Derbe, and it became an important stop on Paul’s journeys. Both cities show how Paul worked in smaller towns as well as major cities.
Antioch in Pisidia
Antioch in Pisidia was located near the border of the ancient region of Pisidia. Today, it is near Yalvaç, southwest of modern Akşehir in Turkey. Paul preached in the synagogue there, and many Jews and Gentiles believed. Strong opposition later forced Paul to leave the city.
Miletus
Miletus was a coastal city of ancient Ionia, about 50 kilometers south of Ephesus and around 100 kilometers south of modern İzmir. Paul visited Miletus near the end of his ministry. There, he met with the elders of the church from Ephesus and gave them an emotional farewell speech Pauls Journey to Rome.
Athens
Athens was the greatest city of classical Greece and is the capital of modern Greece. It was famous for philosophy, learning, and art. Paul preached in Athens at the Areopagus, speaking to philosophers about the true God. Some mocked him, but a few believed.
Paphos and Salamis
Paphos was a city on the southwest coast of Cyprus. In Paphos, Paul confronted a false prophet, and the Roman governor believed in Jesus. Salamis was located on the eastern side of Cyprus, near modern Famagusta. Paul preached in the synagogues there during his first journey.
Berea and Philippi
Berea was a city of ancient Macedonia, now called Veria in Greece. The people of Berea were known for carefully examining the Scriptures. Many believed Paul’s message.
Philippi was another Macedonian city near modern Kavala, Greece. It was the first city in Europe where Paul preached. Lydia, the Philippian jailer, and their households became believers there.
Perga
Perga, also known as Perge, was the capital of ancient Pamphylia during Roman times. It was located a few kilometers north of modern Antalya in Turkey. Paul passed through Perga during his first missionary journey.
Caesarea
Caesarea was an important seaport of ancient Palestine and the capital of the Roman province. It was located near modern-day Israel’s coast. Paul was imprisoned there for two years and gave his defense before Roman governors and King Agrippa.
Corinth and Rome
Corinth was a major city in southern Greece. Paul stayed there for one and a half years and wrote several important letters. Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire. Paul preached there under house arrest and later gave his life for the Christian faith.
Damascus and Tarsus
Damascus, the capital of modern Syria, was where Paul was converted to Christianity. Tarsus, near modern Adana in Turkey, was Paul’s birthplace. Both cities shaped his early life and faith.