Cyprus

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Illustration of Cyprus

Cyprus, the large island off the coast of Syria and Asia Minor, was the home of Barnabas, a Levite 'of the country of Cyprus' who sold his land and laid the money at the apostles' feet. After Stephen's death, scattered believers carried the gospel as far as Cyprus, and men of Cyprus were among the first to preach the Lord Jesus to the Grecians in Antioch. When the Holy Ghost sent Barnabas and Saul out from Antioch, Cyprus was their first destination: they preached from Salamis in the east across the island to Paphos in the west, where the proconsul Sergius Paulus believed. Later, after parting from Paul, Barnabas took Mark and sailed back to Cyprus, and Paul's ships passed the island again on his later voyages.

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Details

Region
Mediterranean
Modern Location
The island of Cyprus, eastern Mediterranean
Strongest connections in Scripture
Acts 4 Acts 11 Acts 13 Acts 15

Journey Paths

Barnabas's Journey

Antioch → Cyprus

Mark (John Mark)'s Journey

Antioch → Jerusalem → Cyprus

Paul's Journey

Damascus → Tarsus → Antioch → Corinth → Rome → Ephesus → Malta → Cyprus

Elymas the Sorcerer's Journey

Paphos → Cyprus

Key Passages

Barnabas of Cyprus

Acts 4:36-37

The generous Levite who would become Paul's partner is introduced as a native of Cyprus.

A36nd Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

The Gospel Reaches Cyprus

Acts 11:19-20

Believers scattered by persecution preach in Cyprus, and Cypriots carry the message to Antioch.

N19ow they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus.

The First Missionary Journey Begins

Acts 13:4-6

Sent by the Holy Ghost, Barnabas and Saul sail to Cyprus and cross the island.

S4o they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. 6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:

Barnabas Returns with Mark

Acts 15:39

After a sharp disagreement with Paul, Barnabas takes Mark home to Cyprus.

A39nd the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

Explore Related

Characters 4

Barnabas Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was a Levite from Cyprus who earned the nickname Son of Encouragement… Paul Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a zealous Pharisee who actively persecuted early Christians… Mark (John Mark) John Mark, also known as Mark, served as a companion to the apostles Paul and Barnabas during their early… Elymas the Sorcerer Elymas, also called Bar-jesus, was a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet attached to the court of Sergius…

Timeline Events 1

Paul's Missionary Journeys Paul and Barnabas set out to do something no one had attempted: take the gospel to the Gentile world.

Did You Know?

1

Cyprus was famous in the ancient world for its copper mines; the Latin word for copper comes from the island's name.

2

Barnabas, the 'son of consolation,' was a Levite from Cyprus.

3

Mnason, an old disciple who hosted Paul in Jerusalem, was also from Cyprus.

Key Chapters

Acts 4 Peter and John Before the Council 5 min read Acts 11 The Church at Antioch 4 min read Acts 13 Paul's First Missionary Journey 8 min read Acts 15 The Council at Jerusalem 6 min read