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 Context

Cilicia 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 References

1. 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 Influence

Cilicia'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 Christianity

The 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.

A Strain of Jonah the Prophet.
... 35 On the beach-lip, over against the shores. Of the Cilicians, is a city
poised, [1202]. Far-famed for trusty port"Joppa her name. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/1 a strain of jonah.htm

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, 139 Cilicians, 58 Clemen ...
/.../lake/landmarks in the history of early christianity/index 2.htm

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 the Cilicians Niobe; the ...
/.../a plea for the christians/chapter xiv inconsistency of those who.htm

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 and Cilicians, assisted him ...
/.../chapter 4 what actions were.htm

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 and Cilicians, Phoenicians, Arabs and Palestinians ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter viii of the synod which.htm

Concerning Martyrius of Cilicia. Translation of the Remains of St. ...
... Nectarius also retained several other Cilicians with him, amongst whom was Martyrius,
his physician, who had been a witness of the irregularities of his youth. ...
/.../chapter x concerning martyrius of cilicia.htm

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 the Cilicians. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter iv of eusebius bishop of.htm

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 the Cilicians. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/xlv to the patrician anatolius.htm

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 and Cilicians, Phoenicians and Arabians, delegates from Palestine ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter vii of the general council.htm

The Variety of Idolatrous Cults Proves that they are False.
... idols. And the Syrians worship not the idols of the Cilicians, while the
Cappadocian nation call gods beings different from these. ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 23 the variety of.htm

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 ...
/c/cilicians.htm - 6k

Cinnamon (4 Occurrences)

/c/cinnamon.htm - 10k

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 . ...
/c/cili'cia.htm - 8k

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 ...
/f/freed-men.htm - 6k

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 ...
/r/roused.htm - 13k

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 ...
/e/encounter.htm - 10k

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 ...
/d/debate.htm - 11k

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 ...
/m/members.htm - 21k

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 ...
/c/cyrenaeans.htm - 7k

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 ...
/s/so-called.htm - 9k

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