Cilicia is a region of significant historical and biblical importance, located in the southeastern part of Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey. It is bordered by the Taurus Mountains to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. In biblical times, Cilicia was known for its strategic location and its role as a cultural and commercial hub.

Biblical References:

Cilicia is mentioned several times in the New Testament, primarily in the context of the Apostle Paul's life and missionary journeys. Paul, originally named Saul, was from Tarsus, a prominent city in Cilicia. In Acts 21:39, Paul declares, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city." This highlights the significance of Tarsus as a center of learning and culture.

In Acts 6:9, Cilicia is mentioned in the context of the Synagogue of the Freedmen, which included Jews from Cilicia who disputed with Stephen, the first Christian martyr. This indicates the presence of a Jewish community in Cilicia during the first century.

During Paul's missionary journeys, Cilicia played a crucial role. After his conversion, Paul traveled through the region, strengthening the churches. Acts 15:41 states, "And he traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches." This passage underscores the establishment and growth of early Christian communities in Cilicia.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Cilicia was a Roman province during the time of the New Testament. Its capital, Tarsus, was a major city known for its university, which rivaled those of Athens and Alexandria. The region was a melting pot of various cultures, including Greek, Roman, and Eastern influences, which contributed to its diverse and vibrant society.

The strategic location of Cilicia made it a vital area for trade and military movements. The Cilician Gates, a pass through the Taurus Mountains, was a crucial route for armies and merchants traveling between the Anatolian plateau and the Mediterranean coast.

Significance in Early Christianity:

Cilicia's significance in early Christianity is primarily linked to the Apostle Paul. As a native of Tarsus, Paul was well-versed in the Greco-Roman culture and philosophy, which equipped him for his mission to the Gentiles. His background in Cilicia provided him with a unique perspective and ability to engage with diverse audiences across the Roman Empire.

The churches in Cilicia, strengthened by Paul's visits, became part of the early Christian network that spread the Gospel throughout the region. The presence of these communities highlights the rapid expansion of Christianity beyond Judea and into the broader Roman world.

In summary, Cilicia holds a notable place in biblical history as the homeland of the Apostle Paul and as a region where early Christianity took root and flourished. Its strategic location and cultural diversity made it an influential area in the spread of the Gospel during the first century.Cili'cia (8 Occurrences)

Acts 6:9
and there arose certain of those of the synagogue, called of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia, and Asia, disputing with Stephen,
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Acts 15:23
having written through their hand thus: 'The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to those in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia, brethren, who 'are' of the nations, greeting;
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Acts 15:41
and he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the assemblies.
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Acts 21:39
And Paul said, 'I, indeed, am a man, a Jew, of Tarsus of Cilicia, of no mean city a citizen; and I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.'
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Acts 22:3
I, indeed, am a man, a Jew, having been born in Tarsus of Cilicia, and brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, having been taught according to the exactitude of a law of the fathers, being zealous of God, as all ye are to-day.
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Acts 23:34
And the governor having read 'it', and inquired of what province he is, and understood that 'he is' from Cilicia;
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Acts 27:5
and having sailed over the sea over-against Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myria of Lycia,
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Galatians 1:21
then I came to the regions of Syria and of Cilicia,
(See RSV)

Cili'cia (8 Occurrences)
Cili'cia. Cilicia, Cili'cia. Cilicians . Multi-Version Concordance
Cili'cia (8 Occurrences). Acts 6:9 and there arose certain of ...
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Cilicia (8 Occurrences)

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Cilicians (1 Occurrence)

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