Mark describes Jesus' early Galilean ministry: 'Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also' (Mark 1:38). The compound term designates settlements larger than mere villages but not qualifying as full cities—market towns or large villages with some urban features. These were significant population centers throughout Galilee, agricultural communities with marketplaces and synagogues but lacking full city status. Jesus' strategy involved itinerant ministry through this network of towns, bringing the gospel to the broader population.