Tarsus

Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia

(2 Macc. 4:30; Acts 9:11; 21:39)—the principal city of ancient Cilicia and the birthplace of the Apostle Paul. It stood on the Cydnus River near the Mediterranean and was renowned for commerce and learning. Under Rome it enjoyed important civic privileges; Paul therefore described himself as a Jew of Tarsus, “a citizen of no mean city,” and also possessed Roman citizenship by birth (Acts 21:39; 22:25–28).

Scripture cited

2 Maccabees 4:30 Acts 9:11 Acts 21:39

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