Introduction

Barnabas and Saul's mission to Cyprus marks a significant moment in the early Christian church's expansion. This journey is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, specifically in Acts 13:4-12. Cyprus, an island in the eastern Mediterranean, was a strategic location for the spread of the Gospel due to its position and diverse population. This mission underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the early church and highlights the challenges and triumphs faced by the apostles.

Background

Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was a Levite from Cyprus (Acts 4:36). Known for his generosity and encouragement, he played a crucial role in the early church, particularly in introducing Saul (later Paul) to the apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27). Saul, a former persecutor of Christians, experienced a dramatic conversion and became a fervent advocate for the Gospel. The church in Antioch, where Barnabas and Saul were active, was a vibrant community of believers, and it was from here that the Holy Spirit called them to embark on their missionary journey.

The Mission to Cyprus

The account of Barnabas and Saul's mission to Cyprus begins with their commissioning by the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:2-3 states, "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off."

Arrival in Cyprus

Upon their arrival in Cyprus, Barnabas and Saul, accompanied by John Mark, began their ministry in the city of Salamis. Acts 13:5 notes, "When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. And John was with them as their helper." Their strategy of starting in the synagogues was consistent with their approach throughout their missionary journeys, as it allowed them to reach both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles.

Encounter with Elymas the Sorcerer

As they traveled across the island to Paphos, they encountered a significant challenge in the form of Elymas, a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet. Elymas, also known as Bar-Jesus, was an attendant of the proconsul Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence who sought to hear the word of God. Acts 13:8-10 describes the confrontation: "But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas and said, 'You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?'"

The Proconsul's Conversion

The power of God was demonstrated through Paul, as Elymas was struck with temporary blindness. This miraculous event led to the conversion of Sergius Paulus. Acts 13:12 records, "When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord." This conversion was significant, as it represented the Gospel's penetration into the Roman political sphere and demonstrated the authority of the apostolic message.

Significance

The mission to Cyprus was pivotal in several ways. It marked the beginning of Saul's transition to being known as Paul, reflecting his mission to the Gentiles. The encounter with Elymas highlighted the spiritual warfare inherent in the spread of the Gospel, while the conversion of Sergius Paulus illustrated the transformative power of the Christian message. This mission set the stage for further missionary journeys and the continued expansion of the early church.