Cilicia
Dictionary of Bible Names

Cilicia is the name of the Roman Province, found in the southeastern part of Asia Minor, where the Apostle's Paul hometown of Tarsus is located.

Jews from Cilicia, as well as Paul himself before his conversion, took part in vigorously arguing with Stephen and causing his death (Acts 6:8 - 7:60).

The decision against requiring circumcision of Gentile converts, arrived at during the Jerusalem Conference, was directed toward churches in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia (Acts 15:23).

The Apostle Paul traveled through and visited Cilicia just before his first missionary journey (Acts 15:22). He also visited the province during his second and third evangelistic journeys.

Important Verses

Acts 6:8 - 9
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Acts 15:22 - 24
Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

And they wrote letters by them after this manner: The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.

Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment . . .

Acts 15:37 - 41
And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them . . .

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder . . . And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Acts 22:3
I (Apostle Paul) am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Acts 23:31, 33 - 34
Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris . . . Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.

And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia.

Acts 27:5
And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.