How to Pronounce Attalia
Audio Pronunciation of Attalia
Phonetic Pronunciation of Attalia
at-TAH-lee-uhHow to Say Attalia
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Introduction to Attalia
Attalia is a port city located in the region of Pamphylia, in modern-day southern Turkey. It was founded by Attalus II of Pergamon in the 2nd century BCE and became a significant hub of trade and travel in the Roman Empire. In the Bible, Attalia is briefly mentioned in the New Testament as a stopping point during the Apostle Paul’s first missionary journey. The city’s mention highlights its role as a connecting point for Paul’s evangelistic efforts and underscores the importance of Mediterranean port cities in the spread of early Christianity.
Attalia Pronunciation
Attalia is pronounced as at-TAY-lee-uh or at-TAL-yuh, with emphasis on the second syllable.
Attalia in the Bible
Paul’s Missionary Journey
Attalia is referenced in Acts 14:25-26, where Paul and Barnabas, after preaching in Perga, traveled to Attalia and set sail for Antioch. This marked the conclusion of their first missionary journey, during which they established churches and strengthened believers in Asia Minor. Attalia served as the departure port for their return to Antioch, emphasizing its role as a key transit point in the Roman world.
Key Verse
Acts 14:25-26: “And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.”
Attalia in Historical and Cultural Context
Geographical Significance
Attalia was strategically located along the Mediterranean coast, making it an essential port for trade and travel in the Roman Empire. Its natural harbor facilitated the movement of goods and people, connecting inland regions of Asia Minor with other Mediterranean cities. For early Christians like Paul and Barnabas, Attalia’s location was vital for mission work and connecting with the broader Roman world.
Cultural Influence
Founded during the Hellenistic period, Attalia retained a blend of Greek and Roman cultural elements. It featured temples, marketplaces, and public baths, reflecting its prosperity and integration into the Roman economy. By the 1st century CE, it had become an important administrative and commercial center, frequented by travelers, merchants, and missionaries.
Theological Significance of Attalia
Though briefly mentioned in the New Testament, Attalia holds theological significance as part of the narrative of Paul’s missionary work:
- Evangelistic Outreach: Attalia’s role as a departure point for Paul and Barnabas symbolizes the movement of the Gospel beyond local boundaries, emphasizing the mission to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
- Divine Guidance: The journey to Attalia reflects the early church’s reliance on God’s guidance and provision for their mission, as seen in Paul’s testimony upon their return to Antioch.
- Connectivity: The inclusion of Attalia highlights the interconnectedness of the Roman world, which facilitated the rapid spread of Christianity in the 1st century.
Related Terms and Meanings
- Pamphylia: The region where Attalia was located, often mentioned in the context of Paul’s travels. - Antioch: The city to which Paul and Barnabas returned from Attalia, an early center of Christian mission. - Missionary Journeys: The evangelistic travels of Paul, during which cities like Attalia played crucial logistical roles. - Perga: Another city in Pamphylia visited by Paul and Barnabas before traveling to Attalia.
Trivia and Interesting Facts about Attalia
- Attalia was named after its founder, Attalus II, who was a king of Pergamon in the 2nd century BCE.
- The city’s modern name is Antalya, and it remains a significant cultural and tourism hub in Turkey today.
- The harbor of Attalia provided a natural gateway for Roman trade routes, linking Asia Minor to major Mediterranean ports.
- Attalia’s mention in Acts highlights the importance of Roman infrastructure, such as roads and ports, in the spread of Christianity.
- While its biblical reference is brief, Attalia’s role as a transit city underscores the strategic planning involved in Paul’s missionary journeys.