DECAPOLIS
The Decapolis, meaning “Ten Cities” in Greek, was a collection of Hellenistic urban centers established in the Levant region following the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. After Alexander’s empire fractured, these cities became part of the Seleucid Empire. However, following Pompey’s conquest of the region in 63 BC, they were absorbed into the Roman Empire, where they enjoyed a degree of autonomy under Roman oversight.
The Decapolis was unique in maintaining a distinctly Greco-Roman cultural identity amidst surrounding Jewish, Nabataean, and Aramean populations. These cities were bastions of Greek language, architecture, philosophy, and political organization, even as they found themselves in a region dominated by Semitic cultures. They were tied together loosely in a confederation, particularly for economic and military purposes, and they became centers of trade and Hellenistic culture.
The Cities of Decapolis
The list of cities belonging to the Decapolis shifted over time, but the most commonly accepted ten cities include:
1. Scythopolis (modern Beit She’an, Israel)
2. Hippos
3. Gadara (modern Umm Qais, Jordan)
4. Pella
5. Philadelphia (modern Amman, Jordan)
6. Gerasa (modern Jerash, Jordan)
7. Dion
8. Canatha
9. Raphana
10. Damascus (Syria)
Damascus is often considered an honorary member, given its location further north. Other cities like Abila, Capitolias, and Edrei were occasionally associated with the Decapolis as well.
Biblical Significance
The Decapolis plays a notable role in the New Testament, as it was a region Jesus visited during His ministry. In several instances, the Gospels describe Jesus traveling through or interacting with the Decapolis region, performing miracles and preaching His message.
– Mark 5:20 and 7:31 mention Jesus passing through the Decapolis.
– Matthew 4:25 describes people from this region following Him.
– One of Jesus’ most well-known miracles, the healing of the demon-possessed man, took place in Gadara (Mt 8:28-34), also referred to as Gerasa in other accounts (Mk 5:1-20; Lk 8:26-39). In this event, Jesus casts out a legion of demons, sending them into a herd of pigs, which then plunge into the sea. The healed man then became a witness, spreading word of his transformation across the Decapolis.
Additionally, in Mark 7:31-37, Jesus heals a deaf and mute man in the Decapolis, further demonstrating His divine authority and compassion.
The Inclusivity of Jesus’ Ministry in the Decapolis
The Decapolis region was predominantly Gentile, which made Jesus’ interactions here especially significant. For Jews of His time, engaging with Gentiles – especially those steeped in Hellenistic culture and paganism – was seen as impure. However, Jesus deliberately crossed these cultural and religious boundaries, demonstrating that His message of salvation was intended for all people, not just the Jews.
The miracles Jesus performed in the Decapolis, particularly the healing of the demon-possessed man and the deaf and mute man, were acts of profound mercy and outreach to the Gentile population. His presence and ministry in this region underscored the universal nature of His mission. He came to bring healing, salvation, and the Good News to all, regardless of ethnic or cultural background, which foreshadowed the later spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities.
This aspect of Jesus’ ministry in the Decapolis serves as a reminder to modern Christians of the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Christ’s message breaks down barriers between cultures, religions, and ethnicities, calling for unity and compassion across all human divisions. In this light, the Decapolis is not merely a historical footnote but a symbol of the expansive reach of Christ’s love.
Decapolis and Early Christianity
The significance of the Decapolis extended into the early days of the Christian Church. Notably, during the Jewish-Roman War of 69 CE, the city of Pella in the Decapolis provided refuge for Christians fleeing the destruction of Jerusalem. This event underscores the Decapolis’ role as a sanctuary for the early Christian community during a time of great persecution and upheaval.
Conclusion
The Decapolis stands as a powerful testament to the cultural diversity and inclusivity of the ancient Near East, as well as to the radical message of Christ’s universal salvation. Jesus’ outreach to the people of these Hellenistic cities illustrates the breaking down of social, religious, and cultural barriers, reminding us that His message of love, healing, and redemption is for all humanity. As Christians today, we are called to carry forward this spirit of inclusivity, reaching out to others in love, no matter their background or beliefs, just as Christ did in the Decapolis centuries ago.
Reflection
The Decapolis represents a unique cultural and spiritual intersection in the ancient world. These cities, grounded in Greek culture yet situated in a region rich with Jewish history and tradition, became spaces where the message of Christ reached a broader, more diverse audience. The Decapolis exemplifies the blending of cultures and the universality of the Gospel, breaking through the boundaries that divided Jews and Gentiles.
Moreover, the historical and archaeological remnants of cities like Jerash (Gerasa) and Umm Qais (Gadara) serve as tangible reminders of this Hellenistic influence in the Near East and the profound impact Jesus’ ministry had on these regions. The architecture and city planning of these ancient sites continue to draw visitors today, providing a window into the cultural landscape in which Christianity first took root and flourished.