Bible Strands
Galatians 1:21
Later I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Galatian churches, placing this geographical note immediately after his sworn affirmation in Galatians 1:20 and directly before his statement about remaining unknown to the Judean believers in Galatians 1:22. He records his movements following his time in Arabia and Damascus.
The words — The adverb ἔπειτα (epeita) translates literally as "then" or "later," establishing a chronological sequence in Paul's narrative. His verb ἦλθον (ēlthon) means "I went" or "I came," indicating direct personal travel rather than delegated or indirect ministry.
The thread — This movement aligns with Paul's later travels through Syria and Cilicia recorded in Acts 15:41. It also corresponds to his earlier relocation to Tarsus after the brothers escorted him from Damascus in Acts 9:30.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to recognize Paul's independent travel history as part of his apostolic background. It demands acceptance of his direct, unmediated experience outside the initial Jerusalem circle.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
Cross-references
- Acts 15:41 And he traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
- Acts 6:9 But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. They disputed with Stephen,
- Acts 9:30 When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
- Acts 11:25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
- Acts 13:1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.
- Acts 15:23 and sent them with this letter: The apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.
- Acts 18:18 Paul remained in Corinth for quite some time before saying goodbye to the brothers. He had his head shaved in Cenchrea to keep a vow he had made, and then he sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.
- Acts 21:3 After sighting Cyprus and passing south of it, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo.
- Acts 21:39 But Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.”
- Acts 22:3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.