What was Pisidian?

Pisidian refers to the region of Pisidia, located in the rugged interior of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). It was not a city but a geographical district. In the Bible, it is particularly significant because of the mention of Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14), a prominent city in Pisidia where the Apostle Paul preached during his first missionary journey. The name “Pisidia” may be derived from the ancient term Pisidai, a group of warlike tribes in Asia Minor known for resisting conquest. While there is no Hebrew equivalent for “Pisidian,” in Greek it appears as Πισιδία (Pisidia), referring to the region and its people.

Biblical References

The primary biblical reference to Pisidian Antioch is found in Acts 13, where Paul and Barnabas travel there to preach the gospel:

• Acts 13:14 – “From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down.”

• Acts 13:50 – “But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.”

Other cross-references that highlight Paul’s ministry in this region include:

• Acts 14:21-22 – Paul revisits the churches, including the one in Pisidian Antioch, to strengthen and encourage them.

• 2 Timothy 3:11 – Paul recalls the persecution he endured in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—cities in or near Pisidia.

What Happened in Pisidian Antioch?

When Paul and Barnabas arrived in Pisidian Antioch, they attended a synagogue service. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, Paul was invited to speak. His message in Acts 13:16–41 is the first recorded full-length sermon of Paul in the Book of Acts. He outlines Israel’s history, points to Jesus as the promised Savior, and emphasizes justification through Him rather than through the Law of Moses.

The message was initially well received, especially by the Gentiles. But Jewish leaders became jealous and incited opposition. As a result, Paul and Barnabas boldly declared their turn to the Gentiles, fulfilling the mission to be “a light for the Gentiles” (Acts 13:47). Despite persecution and expulsion, many believed, and the gospel spread throughout the region.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Pisidian Antioch represents a pivotal moment in the expansion of the gospel to the Gentile world. Paul’s preaching there is a model for biblical evangelism: it is rooted in Scripture, centered on Christ, and calls for a response of faith. It shows the power of the gospel to cross cultural and ethnic boundaries. For today’s believers, Pisidian Antioch is a reminder that the gospel is for all people and that faithful witness will often meet resistance—but it will also bear fruit.

How Pisidian Antioch Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Paul’s sermon in Pisidian Antioch is a direct proclamation of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. He is portrayed as:

• The descendant of David (Acts 13:23),

• The one whom God raised from the dead (Acts 13:30-37),

• The one who brings forgiveness of sins and justification (Acts 13:38-9).

This message emphasized salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by the works of the Law. Pisidian Antioch thus becomes a stage where the early church publicly and clearly declares the gospel to Jew and Gentile alike.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. The Mission to the Gentiles

The shift from primarily Jewish audiences to Gentile ones is exemplified here. Acts 13 marks a turning point where Paul states explicitly that the message of salvation is for the Gentiles as well.

2. The Fulfillment of God’s Promises

Paul demonstrates that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises throughout Israel’s history, showing continuity between the Old and New Testaments.

3. Persecution and Gospel Advancement

Despite opposition, the gospel continues to spread. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching that His followers would face persecution but would also bear witness to the nations.

4. Faith Over Law

Paul’s sermon in Pisidian Antioch lays early theological groundwork for justification by faith—expanded later in Romans and Galatians.

Reflection Questions

1. How does Paul’s approach in Pisidian Antioch challenge or encourage you in sharing your faith?

2. What does Paul’s emphasis on justification by faith teach us about the sufficiency of Christ?

3. How do you respond to opposition when living or speaking for Christ?

4. What can the example of Pisidian Antioch teach your local church about missions and evangelism?

5. How does seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament deepen your understanding of the Bible?

Pisidian Antioch is not just a stop on Paul’s journey—it is a significant marker in the advance of the gospel to the ends of the earth.