Antioch was an important ancient city located on the Orontes River in Syria, near the modern city of Antakya, Turkey. It became one of the most influential centers of the early Christian church after believers fled Jerusalem following persecution (Acts 11:19–21, KJV). In Antioch, "the disciples were called Christians first" (Acts 11:26, KJV), marking a significant moment in church history. The church at Antioch also sent Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, making it a major base for spreading the gospel to the Gentile world (Acts 13:1–3, KJV). Antioch is remembered as a thriving center of worship, discipleship, missions, and evangelism, demonstrating how God used a local church to reach nations with the message of Jesus Christ.