Illyricum
LocationsGeographical Setting
Illyricum was a Roman administrative province situated along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, established to secure the empire's northern frontier.
What is the meaning of Illyricum in the Bible?
Illyricum was a Roman province located east and northeast of the Adriatic Sea. In Romans 15:19, the Apostle Paul states that he has fully preached the gospel from Jerusalem around to Illyricum, indicating the extensive geographical reach of his missionary efforts in the Balkan region.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Illyricum clarifies the geographical scope of Paul's ministry, demonstrating that his evangelistic work extended far beyond the eastern Mediterranean into the European Balkans, thereby highlighting the rapid spread of early Christianity across the Roman Empire.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Illyricum in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Illyricum clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.