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THE APOSTLE OF THE RECONCILIATION 51
It will be seen that a letter addressed to churches situated in the Phrygian portion of the Galatian Province, would
have to be addressed to the Churches of Galatia, in harmony with the ruling of the powers that be. A pedant may be
imagined, though hardly probable, who would ignore the growth of London, and address those living outside the
original city walls as residents of Surrey, Middlesex, or Essex. We cannot for a moment believe the writer of the
inspired narrative to be so absurd. Whatever Galatia was to the mind of the rulers of the day would settle the
question for him, notwithstanding that a great many nationalities were included in the one Province. Paul himself is
a case in point. He was a Hebrew, a Tarsean, and a Roman. Would anyone set out to debate as to whether Tarsus
was in Italy, or Rome in Cilicia?
Young's Analytical Concordance (New Edition) no longer shows Galatia according to its national limitations,
but shows the larger Province of Galatia extending southward to include Derbe, Lystra, and Iconium, which had
hitherto been contained in Lycaonia: so with an Atlas illustrating the Acts of the Apostles and Epistles (S. Philip and
Sons, 1914).
It will be seen from this transition and change that the simple question, `Where is Galatia?' does not admit of a
simple answer. It will be also evident that the question is removed from purely Scriptural exposition, to that of
Archaeology and History. Quoting from `The Times':
`Professor W.M. Ramsay is the greatest living authority on the geography of Asia Minor, and the historical and
archaeological questions associated with its study'.
Whatever theological opinions the Professor may hold, it is surely right to hear him in this province so peculiarly
his own. And as to the theological side, the Professor approached the study believing that the Acts of the Apostles
was written some 200 years later than Paul's lifetime: he concluded it by believing that Luke was the writer during
the lifetime of the apostle. In other words, his investigations disproved Higher Criticism, and proved the Bible.
This is decidedly encouraging.
It will be superfluous to use quotation marks in this chapter, for where Professor Ramsay or his critics are not
quoted, some of the expressions are bound to be reminiscent of the writings of others. Those who wish to pursue the
theme more fully than can be undertaken here are recommended to the various bulky volumes from Professor
Ramsay's pen, the able book by Mr. Askwith, the Commentary of Kirslop Lake, and others.
Returning to the question, `Where is Galatia?' and what is the meaning of the differing maps, we reply, The
small district marked on the old maps as Galatia is the kingdom of Galatia. The larger area including the cities