The Greek word Kilikía, represented by G2791, refers to Cilicia, a region of Asia Minor. It appears 8 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. This geographical term is primarily significant for its connection to the Apostle Paul and as a location for the early church's expansion.
In the biblical narrative, G2791 is most frequently used to establish the Apostle Paul's origins. He identifies himself as a "Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia" Acts 22:3 and as a citizen of "Tarsus, a city in Cilicia" Acts 21:39. The region was also an early site of Christian activity; after his conversion, Paul "came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia" Galatians 1:21. Later, he traveled through "Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches" Acts 15:41. The letter from the Jerusalem Council was specifically addressed to the Gentile brethren in "Antioch and Syria and Cilicia" Acts 15:23. Cilicia is also mentioned as a point of origin for some who disputed with Stephen in Jerusalem Acts 6:9 and as a province passed during Paul's sea voyage to Rome Acts 27:5.
Several related words help establish the geographical and personal context of Cilicia:
- G5019 Tarsós: This is defined as "Tarsus, a place in Asia Minor." It is the primary city within Cilicia mentioned in scripture, identified as Paul's birthplace Acts 22:3.
- G5018 Tarseús: Meaning "a Tarsean, i.e. native of Tarsus," this word directly describes a person from Tarsus, as Paul identified himself Acts 21:39.
- G4947 Syría: Defined as "Syria (i.e. Tsyria or Tyre), a region of Asia," this region is frequently mentioned alongside Cilicia, indicating a close geographical and ministerial connection (Galatians 1:21, Acts 15:41).
- G3828 Pamphylía: This term for "Pamphylia, a region of Asia Minor," is mentioned when Paul's ship sailed over "the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia," establishing it as a neighboring coastal region Acts 27:5.
The narrative weight of G2791 is primarily geographical and biographical, providing crucial context for the events in the book of Acts.
- Pauline Identity: Cilicia is fundamentally linked to the Apostle Paul's identity. His roots in "Tarsus, a city in Cilicia" are a recurring fact he uses to identify himself (Acts 21:39, Acts 22:3). A Roman governor also identifies him as being from the province of Cilicia Acts 23:34.
- Early Church Expansion: The region was an important area for the early church. Paul's work there involved "confirming the churches" Acts 15:41, and the believers there were significant enough to be recipients of the Jerusalem Council's decree Acts 15:23.
- Geographical Hub: Its frequent pairing with G4947 Syría and its location along key sea routes Acts 27:5 show its position as a connecting region for missionary travel throughout Asia Minor.
- Early Jewish Diaspora: The presence of men "of them of Cilicia" disputing with Stephen in Jerusalem highlights that the region was home to a notable Jewish population connected to the religious life in Judea Acts 6:9.
In summary, G2791 is a key geographical marker in the New Testament. While it does not carry theological weight on its own, its importance is immense for understanding the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul. As his home province, Cilicia serves as the backdrop for his origins and as a significant field for his early missionary work, anchoring the narrative of the expanding church in a specific and tangible location within the Roman Empire.
TRV