As a city, it played a prominent role in the history of the first-century Christians, especially in the ministry of Paul, the Christian apostle to the nations.​—ACTS 9:15; ROMANS 11:13.

When coming to a new city, Paul usually approached the Jews first because their familiarity with the Scriptures provided a basis for discussion and could help them understand the good news. One scholar suggests that perhaps this custom was an indication of Paul’s concern for his countrymen or an effort to use the Jews and the God-fearers as a springboard for his work among the Gentiles.​—Acts 17:2-4.