Learn more about Perga

Introduction to Perga

Perga was an ancient city located in the region of Pamphylia, which is present-day Turkey. It is most notably mentioned in the New Testament as a significant stop on the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys. Although the city is not a major focus in biblical history, its mention provides valuable insights into the spread of Christianity in the early church and the challenges faced by the apostles as they traveled through different regions of the Roman Empire.

Perga Pronunciation

“Perga” is pronounced as PER-gah, with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Perga in the Bible

Perga is mentioned specifically in the New Testament as a place Paul visited during his first missionary journey. It was a city located in the Roman province of Pamphylia, a coastal area of Asia Minor. Here is a detailed discussion of Perga’s significance:

• Paul’s First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:13; 14:25): The apostle Paul, accompanied by Barnabas, traveled through Perga during their journey to spread the message of Jesus Christ. It was in Perga that John Mark, who was part of the mission team, left the group and returned to Jerusalem. The incident is noted in Acts 13:13, and this moment is sometimes discussed as a point of contention between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37-39).
• Paul’s Departure from Perga: After arriving in Perga, Paul and Barnabas continued their journey to Antioch in Pisidia, as recorded in Acts 13:14. Perga served as a pivotal starting point for their further evangelistic efforts in the inland regions of Asia Minor. However, it is not recorded that Paul and his team spent a long time in Perga, indicating that it was likely a brief stop before moving on to more significant cities such as Antioch in Pisidia.

Perga in Biblical History and Context

While the Bible does not provide much detail about the city itself, its strategic location along trade routes and its proximity to the coast made it an important city in the region of Pamphylia. It was a part of the Roman Empire at the time, and its population would have been a mix of both Jews and Gentiles, which would later influence the missionary efforts of Paul and Barnabas. The visit to Perga marked an important moment in the development of early Christianity as Paul and his companions began to spread the gospel to Gentiles beyond the Jewish heartland.

The city’s role in the early Christian movement is more incidental than central, but it remains important as part of Paul’s journey, helping set the stage for the subsequent success of the gospel in the region. Perga also has historical significance outside the Bible, as it was once a wealthy and well-developed city with grand structures like temples, theaters, and bathhouses, but it eventually declined after the rise of other cities in the region.

Related Themes and Meanings

• Paul’s Missionary Journeys: Perga is part of the broader context of Paul’s travels, illustrating the geographic expansion of Christianity into different parts of the Roman Empire.
• John Mark’s Departure: The mention of John Mark leaving Paul and Barnabas in Perga provides insight into the personal challenges and dynamics within the early missionary team, with implications for future missions and leadership debates within the early church.
• Roman Empire: As part of the Roman province of Pamphylia, Perga reflects the larger political and cultural context in which the spread of Christianity occurred.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Perga

• Perga was originally a city of the ancient Hittites before it came under the control of the Greeks and Romans. It flourished during the Roman period and was known for its impressive city walls and buildings.
• Despite its brief mention in the Bible, Perga has been the subject of archaeological studies, revealing a once-thriving city with monuments, theaters, and temples dedicated to the gods of the Roman pantheon.
• The departure of John Mark from Paul and Barnabas in Perga was a significant moment in the New Testament, leading to future tensions between Paul and Barnabas over the issue of whether John Mark should accompany them again on future journeys (Acts 15:37-40).