The term "Ten Cities" refers to the Decapolis, a group of ten cities on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire in the southeastern Levant. The Decapolis is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospels, as a region where Jesus ministered and performed miracles. The cities were centers of Greek and Roman culture in a predominantly Semitic region, and they played a significant role in the spread of Hellenistic culture.

Biblical References

The Decapolis is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark. In Matthew 4:25 , it is noted, "Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan followed Him." This passage highlights the widespread influence of Jesus' ministry, attracting people from various regions, including the Decapolis.

In Mark 5:20 , after Jesus healed a demon-possessed man, it is recorded, "So the man went away and began to proclaim throughout the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed." This indicates that the Decapolis was a significant area for the dissemination of Jesus' works and teachings.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Decapolis was not a formal political or administrative unit but rather a group of cities with shared cultural and economic interests. The cities were largely autonomous, each with its own government, but they were united by their Hellenistic culture and their strategic location along trade routes. The Decapolis served as a buffer zone between the Roman Empire and the Nabatean Kingdom to the south.

The ten cities traditionally associated with the Decapolis are: Damascus, Philadelphia (modern-day Amman), Raphana, Scythopolis (Beth-Shean), Gadara, Hippos, Dion, Pella, Gerasa (Jerash), and Canatha. However, the exact list of cities varied over time, and some sources include different cities.

Significance in the New Testament

The presence of the Decapolis in the New Testament underscores the diverse cultural and religious landscape of the region during the time of Jesus. The Decapolis was predominantly Gentile, and its inclusion in the Gospel narratives highlights the universal scope of Jesus' mission. His interactions in this region demonstrate the breaking down of cultural and religious barriers, as He reached out to both Jews and Gentiles.

The Decapolis also serves as a backdrop for several of Jesus' miracles and teachings, illustrating His authority over both physical and spiritual realms. The healing of the demon-possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes (Mark 5:1-20) and the feeding of the four thousand (Mark 8:1-10) are notable events that took place in or near the Decapolis.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological excavations in the Decapolis cities have revealed significant insights into their urban planning, architecture, and daily life. The cities were characterized by Greco-Roman features such as theaters, temples, colonnaded streets, and public baths. These findings provide a glimpse into the cultural and social environment that would have been familiar to the inhabitants during the time of Jesus.

The Decapolis remains a testament to the complex interplay of cultures in the ancient Near East and serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impact of Jesus' ministry beyond the traditional boundaries of Jewish society.