Paul Mission

APOSTLE PAUL: THE ARCHITECT AND BUILDER OF THE CHURCH
M. M. NINAN
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Antioch in Pisidia
Acts 13:13-52
On the west side of the city are the foundations of the synagogue where Saul gave his first
recorded sermon. In the 4th century AD the Church of St. Paul was built on the remains,
incorporating its southern wall. Although most of the walls have disappeared, the superb
mosaics and inscriptions which entirely cover the floor are worth seeing. At the centre of the
mosaic are four Greek inscriptions giving the names of people who made the mosaic floor and
the names of priests and dedicators. One of those mentioned is Optimus, a leader and bishop
in the Antioch church between 375-381 AD. It is significant that this is the only church in
ancient Anatolia built on the site of a synagogue.