Galatians 1:21 – “Then I went to Syria and Cilicia.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Paul continues his personal testimony, explaining where he went after his brief visit to Jerusalem. He did not stay in Jerusalem to work with the other apostles. Instead, he traveled to Syria and Cilicia, regions outside of Israel.
This detail is important because Paul is emphasizing that his ministry developed independently of the original apostles. His gospel did not come from human teachers-it was given to him directly by Jesus Christ. If Paul had spent years learning from Peter and James, critics could have claimed that his message was just an extension of theirs. But by showing that he went elsewhere, Paul is proving that his mission was directly led by God.
Historical Context
Syria and Cilicia were Roman provinces located north of Israel. Cilicia included Tarsus, Paul’s hometown. This means that after his conversion and his brief time in Jerusalem, he likely returned to his own people to begin preaching the gospel.
Paul’s ministry in these areas is not well-documented in the book of Acts, but we do know that he was active there for several years before Barnabas invited him to join the ministry in Antioch (Acts 11:25-26). This shows that Paul was already spreading the gospel long before he became well-known in the church.
This also tells us that Paul did not seek fame or approval from religious leaders in Jerusalem. Instead, he faithfully served in lesser-known regions until God later brought him into a more public role.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights several key truths:
- God calls people to serve in different places. Paul did not stay in Jerusalem with the apostles-he went where God sent him. Likewise, every believer has a unique calling.
- Faithfulness starts in small places. Before Paul became a famous missionary, he ministered in lesser-known regions like Syria and Cilicia.
- Christian leadership is not about seeking status. Paul did not try to build his reputation in Jerusalem-he simply followed God’s direction, even to places that weren’t as well known.
Literary Analysis
Paul’s wording is simple and factual, but it serves an important purpose in his argument.
- “Then I went” – This emphasizes that Paul’s journey was intentional and directed by God.
- “Syria and Cilicia“ – These were not religious centers like Jerusalem. Paul’s ministry was happening outside of the main church leadership, proving his independence.
This short verse continues Paul’s defense against those who claimed he had simply adopted his gospel from the apostles in Jerusalem. Instead, he was preaching and ministering in places far from their influence.
Biblical Cross-References
- Acts 9:30 – After facing persecution, Paul was sent to Tarsus (in Cilicia) for safety.
- Acts 11:25-26 – Barnabas later went to Cilicia to bring Paul to Antioch, showing that Paul had been ministering there for some time.
- Acts 22:3 – Paul mentions that he is from Tarsus, which is in Cilicia.
- Romans 15:20 – Paul expresses his desire to preach where Christ has not been known, which aligns with his time in Syria and Cilicia.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a reminder that God often calls people to serve in unexpected places. Many people think that true ministry happens in well-known churches or big platforms, but Paul was faithful in small, out-of-the-way places before he became a well-known apostle.
It also challenges us to trust in God’s timing. Paul spent years in these regions before stepping into a larger role. If we are called to serve in small ways or in places where we are not recognized, we must remember that God sees and prepares us for greater things in His perfect time.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He guides His people step by step. Paul’s journey was not random-God was leading him, even though it might not have seemed like the most obvious path.
God also shows His love by using people in all locations, not just in famous places. Whether we serve in a large church or a small town, God values our faithfulness.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Paul’s journey mirrors Jesus’ own ministry. Before Jesus became well-known, He spent years in Nazareth, a small town that people didn’t expect the Messiah to come from (John 1:46). Just as Jesus was prepared in a humble setting, Paul was also prepared in places that were not religious or political centers.
Paul’s willingness to preach outside of Jerusalem also reflects Jesus’ mission to reach the whole world, not just the Jewish people. Jesus commanded His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), and Paul was faithfully living out that mission.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Paul chose to go to Syria and Cilicia instead of staying in Jerusalem?
- How does Paul’s journey show that God’s calling is unique for each person?
- In what ways can we serve God in small or unknown places, like Paul did?
- How does this verse encourage us to be patient and trust God’s timing in our lives?
- How can we be faithful in the “small places” God calls us to before stepping into bigger responsibilities?