Illyricum

/ih-LEER-ih-kum/

Summary

A Roman province on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, marking the western limit of Paul's missionary work.

☩Location

Illyricum was an extensive district lying along the eastern coast of the Adriatic, from the boundary of Italy on the north to Epirus on the south. It was a wild and bare mountainous region, inhabited by semi-civilized tribes. The great road called the Via Egnatia connected it to Macedonia and the eastern provinces.

Key verses:Romans 15:19

☩Paul's Ministry

Paul wrote to the Romans that 'from Jerusalem and round about unto Illyricum' he had fully preached the gospel of Christ. Whether Paul actually entered Illyricum or merely preached up to its border is debated. The extension of his preaching to this region probably occurred during his second visit to Macedonia on his third missionary journey. The words 'round about' suggest Paul had evangelized a circuit of countries forming an arc from Jerusalem to the Adriatic coast.

Key verses:Romans 15:19Acts 20:2

☩Later Name

The name Dalmatia came to be applied to Illyricum, and in Paul's later writings he uses this newer provincial name, noting that Titus had gone to Dalmatia. The region now comprises Bosnia, Herzegovina, Montenegro, and northern Albania.

Key verses:2 Timothy 4:10

Related Verses1 mention

Romans· 1 verse

15:19

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Illyricum," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
2.James Orr (ed.), "Illyricum," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
3.James Hastings (ed.), "Illyricum," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).