Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;

GALATIANS 1:21KJV
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Galatians 1:21 (KJV)

What does Galatians 1:21 mean?

Galatians 1:21 means that after certain earlier events, Paul traveled to the areas known as Syria and Cilicia. This verse is part of Paul’s explanation of his movements after his conversion, showing where he went in the years that followed.

Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia, recounting his personal history to defend his authority as an apostle. By mentioning Syria and Cilicia, Paul is clarifying that he was not in Jerusalem or Judea during this period, but instead in regions to the north and east, which helps explain why many in Judea did not know him personally at that time.

The Greek behind Galatians 1:21

  • "regions" (κλίματα, klimata): This Greek word means "districts" or "territories." Paul is not referring to specific cities but to broader areas, which shows he was active in a wider region rather than staying in one place.
  • "Syria" (Συρία, Syria) and "Cilicia" (Κιλικία, Kilikia): These are neighboring Roman provinces. Mentioning both highlights that Paul’s ministry and travels extended beyond Jewish territories, emphasizing the spread of his work.

Why Galatians 1:21 matters

  • This verse helps clear up misunderstandings about Paul’s early ministry, showing he was not immediately involved with the original apostles in Jerusalem.
  • By naming Syria and Cilicia, Paul emphasizes his independence from the Jerusalem church, supporting his claim that his gospel message came directly from Christ, not from human leaders.
  • This detail connects to the wider passage, where Paul is building a timeline to show that his authority and message are genuine and not secondhand.

Where else these words appear

“regions” Greek G2824 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 15:23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
  • 2 Corinthians 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

“Syria” Greek G4947 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Acts 15:23 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:
  • Acts 18:18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

“Cilicia” Greek G2791 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 6:9 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 15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
  • Acts 22:3 I 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.

“Afterwards” Greek G1899 · used in 16 verses

  • Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
  • 1 Corinthians 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.