Metaphysical meaning of Cilicia (mbd)
Cilicia, ci-li'-ci-a (Gk.)--treacherous; cruel; brutish.
A portion of Asia Minor through which Paul and Silas went "confirming the churches" (Acts 15:41). Paul's birthplace was in Tarsus, a city of Cilicia (Acts 21:39).
Meta. Cilicia, meaning treacherous, cruel, Derbe, meaning harsh, stinging, and Lystra, meaning that dissolves, indicate that the work of Paul and Silas required great effort; it was not pleasant. Forceful thoughts often stir up opposition, especially if these thoughts have much of the "purely intellectual" in them, and are not thoroughly and wholly of Spirit; gentle thoughts bring a peaceful victory. "The wisdom that is from above is...peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated" (James 3:17). It is pure also; that is, it is free from all dissimulation, all strife, all self-seeking, and all double-mindedness.
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Preceding Entry: Chuzas
Following Entry: circumcision
