Lexical Summary Illurikon: Illyricum Original Word: Ἰλλυρικόν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Illyricum. Neuter of an adjective from a name of uncertain derivation: (the) Illyrican (shore), i.e. (as a name itself) Illyricum, a region of Europe -- Illyricum. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition Illyricum, a region adjacent to the Adriatic Sea NASB Translation Illyricum (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2437: ἸλλυρικόνἸλλυρικόν, Ἰλλυρικοῦ, τό, Illyricum, a region lying between Italy, Germany, Macedonia and Thrace, having on one side the Adriatic Sea, and on the other the Danube: Romans 15:19 (cf. B. D. American edition). Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Illyricum lay along the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, stretching roughly from modern northern Albania through the coastlands of Croatia and inland toward the Dinaric Alps. In the first century it bordered Macedonia to the south and Italy across the sea to the west. Rome organized the territory as a military province, later dividing it into Dalmatia and Pannonia, with the vital Via Egnatia and Via Appia-Via Traiana Adriatica creating an east-west commercial corridor that connected Illyricum to Thessalonica, Philippi, and ultimately to Rome itself. Biblical Occurrence and Context Romans 15:19 contains the sole New Testament reference: “by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.” Paul cites the region to mark the western limit of his evangelistic activity up to that point, demonstrating the fulfillment of his call “to preach the gospel where Christ was not known” (Romans 15:20). Illyricum thus stands as a geographical milestone attesting to the breadth of the apostle’s Gentile mission. Historical Background in the New Testament Era 1. Roman Administration: After fierce resistance during the Illyrian Wars (229–168 BC), Rome consolidated control, exploiting the mineral wealth of the hinterland and establishing veteran colonies such as Salona (near modern Split). Paul’s Missionary Strategy Paul’s mention of Illyricum completes an arc that begins in Jerusalem and sweeps through Syria, Asia Minor, and Macedonia. Although Acts does not narrate an explicit journey through Illyricum, several factors make Paul’s presence—or at least the extension of his ministry influence—plausible: The apostle’s method combined itinerant preaching, the planting of self-governing congregations, and the deployment of trained associates. By testifying that the gospel had reached Illyricum, Paul underscores that his foundational work in the eastern Mediterranean was nearing completion, setting the stage for his long-held dream of evangelizing Spain (Romans 15:24). Implications for the Spread of the Gospel 1. Fulfillment of Christ’s Commission: The reference demonstrates concrete progress toward the worldwide proclamation commanded in Matthew 28:18-20. Later Church History The second and third centuries witnessed a vibrant ecclesial presence in Dalmatia, evidenced by: The early penetration of the gospel into Illyricum laid groundwork for later missionary endeavors among the Slavs and for the flourishing of Scriptural transmission in the Glagolitic and Cyrillic traditions. Practical Reflections for Ministry Today • Missional Boundaries: Paul’s passion to reach unreached peoples calls modern believers to evaluate their own “Illyricum”—those regions or communities still untouched by the good news. See Also Acts 20:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:16; Philippians 1:12-14; 2 Timothy 4:10 Forms and Transliterations Ιλλυρικου Ἰλλυρικοῦ ιλύν ιλύος Illurikou Illyrikou IllyrikoûLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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