The Development of the Canon of the New Testament

Antioch, Syria

Antioch was founded by Seleucus I Nicator, around 300 BCE near the Mediterranean in modern Turkey, as a center for military control and for the diffusion of Hellenic culture in Syria. It was the center of the Seleucid Kingdom until 64 BCE, when it was annexed by Rome and made the capital of the province of Syria.

Antioch was one of the earliest centers of Christianity; it was there (according to Acts 11:26 and ~40 CE) that the followers of Christ were first called Christians. It served as the headquarters for the missionary journeys of St. Paul (47-55). Other important writers from Antioch were:

Ignatius	2nd or 3rd bishop of Antioch ~110 CE
Theophilus	6th bishop ~180 CE
Serapion	7th bishop ~200 CE