Topical Encyclopedia
The Cilicians were inhabitants of Cilicia, an ancient region located in the southeastern part of Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey. This area was known for its rugged terrain and coastal access, making it a significant location for trade and cultural exchange in the ancient world. Cilicia is mentioned in the New Testament, primarily in connection with the Apostle Paul, who was born in Tarsus, a prominent city in the region.
Geographical and Historical ContextCilicia was divided into two parts: Cilicia Trachea (the rugged, mountainous western part) and Cilicia Pedias (the fertile, flat eastern part). The region was known for its strategic importance due to its location along major trade routes and its access to the Mediterranean Sea. Throughout history, Cilicia was influenced by various empires, including the Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans.
Biblical References1.
Paul of Tarsus: The most notable Cilician in the Bible is the Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus. Tarsus was a major city in Cilicia, renowned for its educational institutions and cultural significance. In
Acts 21:39, Paul identifies himself as "a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city." His Cilician heritage played a role in his Roman citizenship, which afforded him certain legal protections and privileges during his missionary journeys.
2.
Early Christian Church: Cilicia is mentioned in the context of the early Christian church's expansion. In
Acts 15:23, the apostles and elders in Jerusalem sent a letter to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, addressing the issue of circumcision and the observance of the Mosaic Law. This indicates that there were established Christian communities in Cilicia during the first century.
3.
Paul's Missionary Journeys: During his missionary journeys, Paul traveled through Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Acts 15:41 states, "And he traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches." This highlights the presence of a Christian community in the region and Paul's role in nurturing and guiding these early believers.
Cultural and Religious InfluenceCilicia's diverse cultural influences and strategic location made it a melting pot of ideas and beliefs. The region's exposure to Hellenistic culture, combined with its Roman governance, created a unique environment for the spread of Christianity. The presence of Jewish communities in cities like Tarsus also facilitated the early spread of the Gospel, as Paul often began his ministry in synagogues.
Significance in Early ChristianityThe Cilicians played a crucial role in the early Christian church, both as recipients of the Gospel and as contributors to its spread. The region's churches were among the first to grapple with the integration of Gentile believers, a pivotal issue in the early church. The apostolic decree sent to Cilicia and other regions helped to establish a framework for Gentile inclusion without the full burden of the Mosaic Law, as seen in
Acts 15:28-29: "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements."
In summary, the Cilicians, through their geographical and cultural context, contributed significantly to the early Christian movement. Their interactions with key figures like the Apostle Paul and their involvement in the early church's development underscore their importance in biblical history.
Library
A Strain of Jonah the Prophet.
... 35 On the beach-lip, over against the shores. Of theCilicians, is a city
poised, [1202]. Far-famed for trusty port"Joppa her name....
Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity
... Christology, 55, 90, 111, 120, 130 Docetic, 130 Logos, 130, 131, 134 pre-existent,
100-102, 104-108, 122 Church, the, 40, 91, 110, 111, 139Cilicians, 58 Clemen...
Inconsistency of those who Accuse the Christians.
... games; the Samians Lysander, notwithstanding all the slaughters and all the crimes
perpetrated by him; Alcman and Hesiod Medea, and theCilicians Niobe; the...
What Actions were done by Alexander Janneus, who Reigned Twenty...
... and it looked as if he should not be able to escape the plot they had laid for him,
had not his foreign auxiliaries, the Pisidians andCilicians, assisted him...
Of the Synod which was Held at Nic??a in Bithynia, and the Creed...
... And one sacred edifice, dilated as it were by God, contained within it on the same
occasion both Syrians andCilicians, Phoenicians, Arabs and Palestinians...
Concerning Martyrius of Cilicia. Translation of the Remains of St....
... Nectarius also retained several otherCilicians with him, amongst whom was Martyrius,
his physician, who had been a witness of the irregularities of his youth....
Of Eusebius Bishop of Samosata.
... storm had saved the ship of the church from sinking, had been appointed by the divine
Meletius, bishop of Tarsus, and had received the charge of theCilicians....
To the Patrician Anatolius.
... May your magnificence then consent to look to it that the truth be not vanquished
by a lie. And I bring the same supplication about theCilicians....
Of the General Council, at which Bishops from all Nations were...
... And a single house of prayer, as though divinely enlarged, sufficed to contain at
once Syrians andCilicians, Phoenicians and Arabians, delegates from Palestine...
The Variety of Idolatrous Cults Proves that they are False.
... idols. And the Syrians worship not the idols of theCilicians, while the
Cappadocian nation call gods beings different from these....
Thesaurus
Cilicians (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Cilicians (1 Occurrence). Acts 6:9 But some members
of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together
...Cinnamon (4 Occurrences)
Cili'cia (8 Occurrences)
Cili'cia. Cilicia, Cili'cia.Cilicians .... Galatians 1:21 then I came to the regions
of Syria and of Cilicia, (See RSV). Cilicia, Cili'cia.Cilicians ....
Freed-men (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 6:9 But some members of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together
with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians,Cilicians and men from Roman Asia, were...
Roused (24 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:9 But some members of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together
with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians,Cilicians and men from Roman Asia, were...
Encounter (10 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:9 But some members of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together
with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians,Cilicians and men from Roman Asia, were...
Debate (13 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:9 But some members of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together
with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians,Cilicians and men from Roman Asia, were...
Members (54 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:9 But some members of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together
with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians,Cilicians and men from Roman Asia, were...
Cyrenaeans (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:9 But some members of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together
with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians,Cilicians and men from Roman Asia, were...
So-called (10 Occurrences)
... Acts 6:9 But some members of the so-called 'Synagogue of the Freed-men,' together
with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians,Cilicians and men from Roman Asia, were...
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
