Dict: easton - Antioch

easton:

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 kjv@Acts:11:19-21, 24), and the name "Christian" was first applied here to its professors kjv@Acts:11:26). It is intimately connected with the early history of the gospel kjv@Acts:6:5 kjv@Acts:11:19 kjv@Acts:11:27, 28, 30; 12:25; 15:22-35; kjv@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., kjv@Acts:16:20-21).

(2.) In the extreme north of Pisidia; was visited by Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey kjv@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 kjv@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 kjv@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, Antiochus marched against them in person, threatening utterly to exterminate the nation; but on the way he was suddenly arrested by the hand of death (B.C. 164).