- ANTIOCH (1.) In Syria, on the river Orontes, about 16 miles from the
Mediterranean, and some 300 miles north of Jerusalem. It was the
metropolis of Syria, and afterwards became the capital of the Roman
province in Asia. It ranked third, after Rome and Alexandria, in point of
importance, of the cities of the Roman empire. It was called the “first city
of the East.” Christianity was early introduced into it (Acts 11:19, 21, 24),
and the name “Christian” was first applied here to its professors (Acts
11:26). It is intimately connected with the early history of the gospel
(Acts 6:5; 11:19, 27, 28, 30; 12:25; 15:22-35; Galatians 2:11, 12). It was
the great central point whence missionaries to the Gentiles were sent forth.
It was the birth-place of the famous Christian father Chrysostom, who
died A.D. 407. It bears the modern name of Antakia, and is now a
miserable, decaying Turkish town. Like Philippi, it was raised to the rank
of a Roman colony. Such colonies were ruled by “praetors” (R.V. marg.,
Acts 16:20, 21).
(2.) In the extreme north of Pisidia; was visited by Paul and Barnabas on
the first missionary journey (Acts 13:14). Here they found a synagogue
and many proselytes. They met with great success in preaching the gospel,
but the Jews stirred up a violent opposition against them, and they were
obliged to leave the place. On his return, Paul again visited Antioch for the
purpose of confirming the disciples (Acts 14:21). It has been identified
with the modern Yalobatch, lying to the east of Ephesus.
- ANTIOCHUS the name of several Syrian kings from B.C. 280 to B.C. 65.
The most notable of these were, (1.) Antiochus the Great, who ascended
the throne B.C. 223. He is regarded as the “king of the north” referred to in
Daniel 11:13-19. He was succeeded (B.C. 187) by his son, Seleucus
Philopater, spoken of by Daniel (11:20) as “a raiser of taxes”, in the
Revised Version, “one that shall cause an exactor to pass through the glory
of the kingdom.”
(2.) Antiochus IV., surnamed “Epiphanes” i.e., the Illustrious, succeeded
his brother Seleucus (B.C. 175). His career and character are prophetically
described by Daniel (11:21-32). He was a “vile person.” In a spirit of
revenge he organized an expedition against Jerusalem, which he destroyed,
putting vast multitudes of its inhabitants to death in the most cruel
manner. From this time the Jews began the great war of independence
under their heroic Maccabean leaders with marked success, defeating the
armies of Antiochus that were sent against them. Enraged at this,