Tarsus

Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, known as the birthplace and early residence of the apostle Paul (Act.9.11, 30; 21:39; 22:3).

Tarsus was a prominent city in the Roman province of Cilicia, located in modern-day southern Turkey. It is best known as the birthplace and early residence of the apostle Paul (Act.22.3). Paul described himself as "a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city" (Act.21.39), indicating Tarsus' significance and his own status as a citizen. After his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul spent time in Tarsus (Act.9.30) before being brought to Antioch by Barnabas (Act.11.25). Tarsus was a center of Greek culture and learning, with a renowned university. It was also an important commercial hub, situated on major trade routes. The city's strategic location and cultural influence shaped Paul's background and prepared him for his future ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles.

The chief city of Cilicia. It was distinguished for its wealth and for its schools of learning, in which it rivalled, nay, excelled even Athens and Alexandria, and hence was spoken of as “no mean city.” It was the native place of the Apostle Paul (Acts 21:39). It stood on the banks of the river Cydnus, about 12 miles north of the Mediterranean. It is said to have been founded by Sardanapalus, king of Assyria. It is now a filthy, ruinous Turkish town, called Tersous.