The Gentile Cities and the Universal Reach of Christ
Introduction
Decapolis was a league of cities whose name comes from the Greek Deka Polis, meaning “Ten Cities.” These cities were located mainly east of the Jordan River, with some extending westward, forming a distinctive Hellenistic region within the broader Semitic world of the Levant. Though culturally Greek and politically Roman, the Decapolis occupies an important place in the New Testament, revealing the inclusive and universal mission of Jesus Christ, who brought the Good News beyond the boundaries of Israel.
Meaning and Etymology of the Name
The term Decapolis literally means “Ten Cities”, reflecting a loose confederation of urban centers that shared common Greco-Roman culture, language, and civic organization. The name itself highlights unity amid diversity, as these cities maintained a shared identity while existing within a region dominated by Jewish, Nabataean, and Aramean populations.
Geographic Location
The Decapolis was spread across the regions of modern-day Jordan, southern Syria, and northern Israel, primarily east of the Jordan River. These cities were strategically located along trade routes, making them centers of commerce, communication, and cultural exchange. Their position allowed interaction between the Mediterranean world and the interior of the Near East.
Historical and Cultural Background
The origins of the Decapolis trace back to the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, which introduced Greek culture to the region. After Alexander’s empire fragmented, the cities came under the Seleucid Empire and later, following Pompey’s conquest in 63 BC, under Roman rule.
Under Rome, the Decapolis cities enjoyed a degree of political autonomy, while remaining loyal to Roman authority. They became strongholds of Greek language, philosophy, architecture, and pagan religious practices, including temples, theaters, and public forums. This Greco-Roman identity stood in sharp contrast to the surrounding Jewish territories governed by the Law of Moses.
Old Testament Background
The Decapolis as a political entity does not appear in the Old Testament, as it developed during the Hellenistic period. However, many of its cities lay in regions once associated with the tribes of Israel and later Gentile influence. This historical shift underscores how territories once linked to Israel became gateways for God’s revelation to the nations through Christ.
The Cities of the Decapolis
The membership of the Decapolis varied over time, but the most commonly accepted cities include:
Scythopolis (modern Beit She’an), the only city west of the Jordan
Hippos
Gadara (modern Umm Qais)
Pella
Philadelphia (modern Amman)
Gerasa (modern Jerash)
Dion
Canatha
Raphana
Damascus (often considered an honorary member)
These cities formed a network that promoted trade, security, and cultural cohesion.
Major New Testament Events
The Decapolis is mentioned several times in the Gospels as a region visited by Jesus. People from the Decapolis followed Him, drawn by His teaching and miracles (Mt 4:25). Jesus traveled through this predominantly Gentile region, deliberately crossing cultural and religious boundaries (Mk 5:20; 7:31).
One of the most dramatic miracles associated with the Decapolis is the healing of the demon-possessed man in the region of Gadara or Gerasa (Mt 8:28–34; Mk 5:1–20; Lk 8:26–39). After being freed from a legion of demons, the man was sent by Jesus to proclaim what God had done for him, and he became a missionary to the Decapolis, spreading the Good News among Gentiles.
Another significant event is the healing of a deaf and mute man in the Decapolis (Mk 7:31–37), further revealing Jesus’ compassion and divine authority.
Cross References
Key biblical references include Matthew 4:25; Mark 5:1–20; Mark 7:31–37; Luke 8:26–39; and Isaiah 49:6, which anticipates salvation reaching the nations. These passages show the expansion of God’s saving work beyond Israel.
Religious and Theological Significance
Theologically, the Decapolis symbolizes the universal scope of salvation. Jesus’ ministry there demonstrates that the Kingdom of God is not limited by ethnicity, culture, or religious background. His miracles among Gentiles reveal that God’s mercy knows no boundaries and foreshadow the Church’s mission to all nations.
Jewish Practices and Beliefs in Contrast
For many Jews of Jesus’ time, the Decapolis was considered ritually unclean due to its pagan practices. Jesus’ deliberate presence in this region challenged prevailing attitudes and revealed that holiness is not threatened by contact with outsiders but is instead transformative.
Catholic Interpretation and Church Teaching
In Catholic understanding, the Decapolis prefigures the missionary expansion of the Church. The healing of Gentiles and their proclamation of faith anticipate the apostolic mission described in the Acts of the Apostles. The Church continues Christ’s work by proclaiming the Gospel across cultural and national boundaries.
Decapolis and Early Christianity
The Decapolis played a role in early Christian history. During the Jewish-Roman War (69–70 AD), Christians fled Jerusalem and found refuge in Pella, one of the Decapolis cities. This event highlights the region’s importance as a place of protection and continuity for the early Church.
Spiritual Significance for Christians Today
For Christians today, the Decapolis reminds us that the Gospel is meant for everyone. It challenges believers to move beyond comfort zones, cultural barriers, and prejudices. The region calls us to embody Christ’s compassion and to proclaim salvation with openness and courage.
Conclusion
The Decapolis stands as a powerful witness to the inclusive nature of Christ’s mission. In a region steeped in pagan culture and Gentile identity, Jesus revealed God’s saving love and planted seeds that would bear fruit in the early Church. The Decapolis shows that no place is beyond God’s reach.
Reflection
The Decapolis invites us to reflect on how we engage with cultures and people different from ourselves. Jesus’ ministry there calls us to break down walls of division and to live the Gospel with openness and love. As these ancient cities once became places of encounter with Christ, so too can our modern world become a living Decapolis where the Good News is shared with all.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You crossed boundaries and brought healing and hope to the people of the Decapolis. Give us hearts that reflect Your compassion and courage to proclaim Your Gospel to all. Help us to see every person as worthy of Your love and to live as witnesses of Your universal salvation. Amen.