Κιλικία

Cilicia

Definition

Cilicia was a Roman province in southeastern Asia Minor, bordered by the Taurus Mountains to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. It was a strategically important region, divided into mountainous Cilicia Trachea (Rough Cilicia) and fertile Cilicia Pedias (Flat Cilicia). In the New Testament, it is primarily referenced as a geographical region, notably as the home province of the Apostle Paul (Acts 21:39, 22:3) and as a destination for early Christian correspondence (Acts 15:23). It also appears as a location along Paul's missionary journeys (Acts 27:5) and as a place he visited after his conversion (Galatians 1:21).

Biblical Usage

The word 'Cilicia' is used seven times in the New Testament, exclusively in the book of Acts and Galatians. It functions primarily as a geographical identifier. In Acts, it identifies the origin of certain synagogue members (Acts 6:9), is mentioned in the Jerusalem Council's letter (Acts 15:23), and is central to Paul's personal history and travels (Acts 21:39, 22:3, 23:34, 27:5). In Galatians 1:21, Paul notes he went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia after his conversion, emphasizing the early spread of the gospel beyond Judea.

Etymology

The name 'Κιλικία' (Kilikia) is derived directly from the Greek name for the region, which itself likely originates from an older Anatolian or Phoenician source. It is not derived from a common Greek root word but is a proper noun adopted into Greek to designate this specific territory. The name was used in classical Greek literature long before the New Testament period.

Semantic Range

While primarily a geographical term, Cilicia holds theological significance as the homeland of Saul of Tarsus, who became the Apostle Paul. Understanding his background as a Hellenistic Jew from a major Roman province (Acts 22:3) enriches our view of God's providence in preparing a missionary to the Gentiles. The mention of Cilicia in the Jerusalem Council decree (Acts 15:23) also highlights the early, intentional spread of the gospel and church unity across cultural and geographical boundaries.

In the 1st century, Cilicia was a Roman province, with Tarsus as its prominent capital and a major center of Hellenistic culture and learning. Its location made it a crossroads for trade and travel between Syria, Asia Minor, and the wider Mediterranean. For a Jewish person like Paul, being from Tarsus in Cilicia meant being part of the Diaspora, immersed in Greco-Roman culture while maintaining Jewish identity. This bicultural context was crucial for Paul's ministry and writings.

There are no direct synonyms for this proper noun of a specific region. Geographically, it was associated with Συρία (Syria, G4947) — the neighboring province to which it was administratively linked at times (Galatians 1:21).

Word Details

Scripture References