Illyricum became a Roman province in 27 B.C. Around 10 A.D. it was dissolved and divided into Pannonia in the north and Dalmatia in the south. Dalmatia encompassed parts of modern-day Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Croatia and other nearby countries. The New Testament, unfortunately, does not record the names of any cities within this provincial territory.
Early History
Concerning Illyricum's (Dalmatia's) history before the time of the New Testament, the Life and Epistles of St. Paul, chapter 17, states the following.
"At first it (the province) was placed under the (Roman) Senate: but it was soon found to require the presence of large masses of soldiers. The Emperor took it into his own hands, and inscriptions are still extant on which we can read the records of its occupation by the seventh and eleventh legions.
"Dalmatia . . . was a district in the southern part of this province; and after the final reduction of the Dalmatian tribes, the province was more frequently called by this name than by that of Illyricum."
New Testament References
The province of Illyricum (Dalmatia) is referenced only twice in the King James Bible. The first reference is Apostle Paul's declaration to Roman Christians that he travelled to many places in order to preach the gospel.
For I (the Apostle Paul) will not presume to speak about anything that Christ has not worked out by me for the obedience of the Gentiles, through word and work, through the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit of God; so that in a circuit from Jerusalem to Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ (Romans 15:18 - 19, HBFV throughout).
The second mention of Dalmatia is in reference to Titus, one of Paul's trusted co-workers, leaving him to travel to the province.
For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present age, and has gone to Thessalonica; Crescens, to Galatia; Titus, to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is profitable to me for the ministry of the Word (2Timothy 4:10 - 11).