Gospel at Cyprus
Introduction: The island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea had been the home of Barnabas, a Levite who sold his property and gave everything to the apostles as he became part of that first assembly of believers in Jerusalem. After Stephen was martyred, many believers were dispersed. Some men of Cyprus and Cyrene gave the gospel of Christ to the Grecians at Antioch, and many believed and turned to the Lord. When Barnabas and Saul were sent out together to spread the gospel, their first stop was at Cyprus.
NOTE: All Bible passages are from the 1833 Webster Bible.
A — A Levite from Cyprus Became an Important Member of the Jerusalem Church
Acts 4 “36 And 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.”
Comments: Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus who sold his own property and gave everything for the needs of the assembly in Jerusalem. There is no detail of whether that property was in Cyprus or just when he made the sale. Though Barnabas was a Levite, he became fully committed to service of the risen Christ, and there is no record that he carried out any Levitical duties the rest of his life. The record in scripture indicates that he was very willing to share the gospel with both Jews and Gentiles.
B — Barnabas Trusted Saul and Presented His Conversion to the Disciples
Acts 9 “26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he essayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.”
Comments: After Saul was converted by the risen Lord Jesus and went to Jerusalem, he was not trusted and was feared by the apostles for his reputation of severe persecution of the church. Barnabas became his advocate as he gave the details of Saul’s conversion. Since Barnabas was a Levite who turned his life to Christ, he probably would have been able to relate to Saul who was a Pharisee and the son of a Pharisee. Saul began to present the Lord Jesus publicly in a very bold manner that met strong opposition, and the brethren helped him go to Cesarea and then to his home city of Tarsus.
C — Jewish Christians from Cyprus and Cyrene Gave the Gospel to Gentiles at Antioch
Acts 11 “19 Now they who were dispersed upon the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but to the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit, and of faith: and many people were added to the Lord. 26 And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
Comments: Some time later unnamed Jewish Christians from Cyprus and Cyrene shared the gospel with Grecians at Antioch, and as the hand of the Lord was with them, many became Christians. When this news reached the leadership at Jerusalem they sent Barnabas to verify. Barnabas, formerly of Cyprus, was full of the Holy Spirit and encouraged them to keep faith in the Lord. Barnabas brought Saul from Tarsus, and they served the Lord at Antioch together for a year. The Grecians at Jerusalem had been a threat to Saul, but Grecians were part of the strong church at Antioch.
D — The Gospel Went Back to Cyprus from Antioch
Acts 13 “2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate for me Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So they being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, departed to 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.”
Comments: When Saul and Barnabas left Antioch, they likely went down river to the Mediterranean port of Seleucia. The distance to the principal city of Salamis on the east end of Cyprus was over 300 miles. There is no record of how long they stayed to preach in the synagogues of the Jews, and no mention of added converts at that time. Cyprus was the home country for Barnabas the Levite, but the Bible text simply moves on with no other description of ministry there, as they travel on to the Roman proconsul’s residence at Paphos on the west end of the island.
E — The Roman Deputy of the Country Called Paul and Barnabas to Speak with Him
Acts 13 “7 Who was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9 Then Saul (who also is called Paul) filled with the Holy Spirit, set his eyes on him, 10 And said, O full of all subtilty, and all mischief, thou child of the devil… thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. 12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.”
Comments: The Roman deputy Sergius Paulus called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. A Jewish sorcerer named Elymas had been with the deputy and withstood them seeking to turn the deputy from the faith. The sharp statements of Paul to the sorcerer, and the power in Saul’s words that brought immediate blindness on him, had the effect of bringing the deputy to believe, “being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.” Paul and Barnabas then sailed from Paphos to Perga in Pamphylia on the mainland.
F — Paul and Barnabas Had a Sharp Disagreement
Acts 15 “37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed, separating one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus.”
Comments: The above passage is the last mention of Barnabas in the book of Acts, but the Apostle Paul mentioned him favorably in several letters, though there is no indication they ever traveled together again. When Paul and Barnabas disagreed about taking John Mark, Barnabas took Mark and made a second trip to Cyprus to strengthen believers. Cyprus is not mentioned anywhere else in the rest of the New Testament; but the things which have been recorded have significant qualities about the impact of the gospel on people from that island.
Reflections in Prayer
Lord, by your mercy the heritage of the Jews remained even centuries after your righteous judgment brought foreign domination to Israel because they had repeatedly rebelled against you and worshipped false gods. Lord Jesus, you blessed Barnabas as he became a committed believer, and was among those in Jerusalem who sold their land for the benefit of the church. Thank you, Lord, that unnamed believers from Cyprus and Cyrene were the first to take the gospel to Grecians at Antioch, and many became disciples of Christ. Paul and Barnabas had ministry in synagogues on Cyprus; and a very significant experience with a Roman deputy after a confrontation with a Jewish sorcerer. Help me, Lord, to follow the patterns of faith and service of those who have gone before. There is no place insignificant in your sight for those who have trusted in your name. Amen.
Published 5 February 2019