Illyricum (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in Biblical Context

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1. Introduction

While Bosnia and Herzegovina is not explicitly named in the Bible, it falls within the region historically known as Illyricum, which is directly mentioned by the Apostle Paul in the New Testament. Illyricum covered parts of the western Balkans—including modern-day Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia—and functioned as a Roman province during the first century CE. This article explores the biblical significance of Illyricum and its theological implications through geography, history, and Pauline mission.

2. Historical and Geopolitical Context

  • Illyricum was a Roman province located along the eastern Adriatic coast, established around the first century BCE.
  • Major tribes included the Dalmatae and Pannoni, known for resisting Roman rule until subjugation under Augustus.
  • Key Roman cities included Salona, Narona, and Doclea, which served as administrative and military centres.
  • The region became strategically important for Rome due to its coastal access and role in stabilising the Balkans.

3. Biblical Reference

  • Romans 15:19 – Paul writes: “So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.”
    • This is the only direct mention of Illyricum in Scripture.
    • It underscores the extent of Paul’s missionary journeys and hints at gospel influence beyond the eastern Mediterranean basin.

4. Theological and Missional Significance

  • Missional Reach: Paul’s reference to Illyricum demonstrates the geographic breadth of early Christian missions.
  • Pioneering Work: While no cities in Illyricum are individually named as mission sites, Paul’s mention suggests either direct evangelism or influence through his associates.
  • Gospel Expansion: The passage in Romans 15 implies Paul viewed Illyricum as either the boundary or endpoint of his initial missionary outreach before intending to continue westward to Spain.

5. Pauline Geography and Interpretation

  • Scholars debate whether Paul personally visited Illyricum or whether the term refers to his broader preaching near its borders (e.g., Macedonia and Dalmatia).
  • The phrase “all the way around to Illyricum” may indicate a circular arc of travel from Jerusalem through Asia Minor and Greece, possibly reaching or bordering Illyricum.

6. Illyricum in Early Church History

  • By the second and third centuries CE, Christianity had made significant inroads into Illyricum, with evidence of bishops and church councils in the region.
  • Illyricum produced influential figures such as:
    • Jerome of Stridon (likely born near modern Bosnia/Croatia).
    • Diocletian and Constantine the Great, Roman emperors linked to Illyricum, had major roles in shaping Christian imperial policy.
  • The Council of Sirmium (modern-day Serbia) in the fourth century was held in the broader Illyrian territory.

7. Archaeological and Cultural Legacy

  • Roman ruins in Bosnia and Herzegovina (e.g., Mogorjelo, Narona, and Salona) reveal early Christian presence, including church remains and Christian mosaics.
  • Excavations have uncovered Latin inscriptions, basilicas, and early baptisteries dating from the 4th to 6th centuries CE.
  • These findings support the idea of a gradual but steady Christianisation of the region, likely following Paul’s era.

8. Eschatological and Symbolic Relevance

  • Illyricum symbolises the reach of the gospel into Gentile lands, consistent with Paul’s vision of the gospel going to the “ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
  • It serves as a transitional zone between Greek-speaking and Latin-speaking Christianity, and between the Eastern and Western Churches.
  • In later centuries, Bosnia and the Balkans became a site of both Christian expansion and theological conflict (e.g., between Catholic, Orthodox, and later Islamic influences).

9. Conclusion

Illyricum, encompassing modern Bosnia and Herzegovina, occupies a unique but understated place in biblical geography. Mentioned only once, its inclusion in Paul’s epistle to the Romans signifies the geographical breadth and ambition of early Christian missions. Later archaeological and historical evidence confirms that the gospel indeed reached and flourished in the region, laying a foundation for theological and cultural developments in the centuries that followed.

Key Takeaways

  • Illyricum (including Bosnia) is directly mentioned in Romans 15:19 as part of Paul’s mission field.
  • It played a vital role in the expansion of Christianity into the Western Roman world.
  • Archaeological evidence supports an early Christian presence in the region.
  • The region bridges Eastern and Western Christian traditions and theological histories.

References

  • The Holy Bible (Romans 15:19)
  • Bruce, F. F. (1977). Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free
  • Wilken, R. L. (2003). The Spirit of Early Christian Thought
  • Heather, P. (2006). The Fall of the Roman Empire
  • Ivanišević, V. (2008). Archaeology of Christianity in Illyricum
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