Page:Light and truth.djvu/97

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
ancient cities and kingdoms.
95

"Among the Greek colonies and churches of Asia, Philadelphia is still erect—a column in a scene of ruins."

Pisidia. (Acts xiii. 14.) A province of Asia Minor, north of Pamphylia. Antioch, though within the province of Phrygia, belonged to Pisidia, and was called Antioch in [or of] Pisidia, to distinguish it from Antioch in Syria. Paul labored in the gospel, not only at Antioch, but throughout the province.—(Acts xiv

Pontus. (1 Pet. i. 1.) The north-eastern province of Asia Minor, lying along the Black Sea, having Colchis on the east, Cappadocia south, and Paphlagonia west. Many Jews resided here in the time of Christ, (Acts ii. 9,) and the gospel was early introduced, and entertained by many, whom Peter addresses in his first epistle. Aquila, Paul's companion, was of this province.—(Acts xviii. 2.) It became a province of Rome in the time of Pompey.

Phrygia. (Acts ii. 10.) The largest province of Asia Minor, having Bithynia north, and Lysia south. Its chief towns were Colosse, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. Some of the inhabitants were at Jerusalem, and among the converts on the day of Pentecost. The province was more than once visited by the apostle Paul.

Patara. (Acts xxi. 1.) A large, rich, seaport town of Lysia, lying over against Rhodes, at the mouth of the Xanthus, called, by Ptolemy Philadelphus, king of Egypt, Arsinoe, in honor of his queen. Here Paul took ship for Phoenicia, when going from Philippi to Jerusalem.

Pergamos. The ancient metropolis of Mysia, and the residence of the Attalian kings. It stands on a rich and spacious plain, near the banks of the Caicus, and was famous for its extent and grandeur; for a temple to Esculapius; for a library of 200,000 volumes, which was removed to Egypt by Cleopatra; and for its being the birth place of the celebrated Galen. Parchment was invented here, and received its name from the place.

Sardis. (Rev. i. 11.) A city of Ancient Lydia, and the site of one of the seven churches of Asia. Its modern name is Sart, and it lies about 30 miles south-east of Thyatira. It is, however, but a miserable village,