What is the meaning of Acts 13:5? Arrival in Salamis “When they arrived at Salamis” (Acts 13:5a) • Paul and Barnabas have just been “sent out by the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:4), sailing from Seleucia to the eastern port city of Cyprus. • Luke records their landing point to underline that this journey is real history, rooted in geography we can still identify today. • Salamis was a commercial hub; beginning here put the gospel in front of travelers who could carry it farther. • Cross references: Acts 11:19 shows other believers preaching on Cyprus; Acts 15:39 notes Barnabas’s later return, highlighting ongoing ministry to the island. Proclaiming the word of God “they proclaimed the word of God” (Acts 13:5b) • Their first priority on arrival is speaking, not sightseeing. The message—“the word of God”—is presented without alteration or apology (Acts 13:32–33; Romans 10:17). • This proclaiming is continuous; Luke’s verb choice pictures a repeated, habitual action. • Wherever the Spirit places us, verbal witness remains essential (Acts 20:27; 2 Corinthians 4:13). In the Jewish synagogues “in the Jewish synagogues” (Acts 13:5c) • Paul follows the pattern he will repeat across the empire: start with the synagogue (Acts 17:1–2; 18:4). • He honors God’s covenant order—“to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). • Synagogues provided: – an audience already prepared by Scripture (Acts 13:15), – a platform open to visiting teachers, and – a network that could spread news quickly through the diaspora. • Some Jews would believe, others would reject, but the gospel is offered genuinely to all. And John was with them as their helper “And John was with them as their helper” (Acts 13:5d) • John Mark, introduced in Acts 12:12, assists with practical needs—arranging lodgings, handling scrolls, perhaps translating. • His presence illustrates that ministry often requires supportive roles, not only upfront preaching (1 Corinthians 12:28). • Mark’s later departure (Acts 13:13) will test the team, yet God will still use him mightily (2 Timothy 4:11; Colossians 4:10). • Even helpers have lasting impact: Mark eventually writes the Gospel that bears his name. summary Acts 13:5 shows a Spirit-led team landing in a strategic city, immediately teaching God’s unchanging word in the familiar setting of local synagogues, and relying on a trusted helper to make the work possible. The verse models purposeful arrival, clear proclamation, wise strategy, and the value of every member of the mission—principles still vital for faithful ministry today. |
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