Cyprus is a significant island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, known for its rich biblical history and strategic location. It is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean and has been a crossroads of various civilizations throughout history. In biblical times, Cyprus was known for its copper resources, which were highly valued in the ancient world.

Biblical References and Significance

Cyprus is mentioned several times in the New Testament, primarily in the context of the early Christian church and missionary journeys. The island is referred to as "Cyprus" in the Berean Standard Bible.

1. Barnabas and Saul (Paul) in Cyprus: One of the most notable biblical figures associated with Cyprus is Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus. In Acts 4:36, Barnabas is introduced as "Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement)." Barnabas played a crucial role in the early church and was a companion of the Apostle Paul. During their first missionary journey, Barnabas and Paul traveled to Cyprus, as recorded in Acts 13:4-5: "So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. Arriving in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. And John was with them as their helper."

2. Sergius Paulus: While in Cyprus, Barnabas and Paul encountered Sergius Paulus, the proconsul of the island, who is described as "an intelligent man" (Acts 13:7). Sergius Paulus sought to hear the word of God, and through the ministry of Paul and Barnabas, he became a believer, despite the opposition from Elymas the sorcerer (Acts 13:8-12).

3. Mark's Departure: Cyprus is also the place where John Mark, who had accompanied Barnabas and Paul, decided to leave them and return to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). This event later led to a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, resulting in their separation (Acts 15:36-39).

4. Barnabas and Mark's Return: After the disagreement with Paul, Barnabas took Mark and returned to Cyprus to continue the work of the ministry (Acts 15:39). This highlights the island's ongoing importance as a center for early Christian activity.

Historical and Cultural Context

Cyprus was a Roman province during the time of the New Testament, and its cities, such as Salamis and Paphos, were significant urban centers. The island's strategic location made it a vital link between the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa, facilitating the spread of the gospel.

The presence of Jewish synagogues in Cyprus, as mentioned in Acts 13:5, indicates a substantial Jewish community on the island. This provided a starting point for Paul and Barnabas to preach the gospel, following their custom of first reaching out to the Jewish population.

Legacy and Influence

Cyprus's role in the early church underscores the island's importance in the spread of Christianity. The missionary efforts of Barnabas and Paul laid the foundation for the growth of the Christian faith in the region. The conversion of Sergius Paulus, a Roman official, is a testament to the power of the gospel to reach all levels of society.

Today, Cyprus remains a place of historical and religious significance, with its biblical heritage continuing to attract scholars, pilgrims, and tourists interested in the early history of Christianity.Acts 21:3
Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 27:4
And when we had launched from there, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
Nave's Topical Index

2954. Kupros -- Cyprus, an island at the east end of the ...
... Cyprus, an island at the east end of the Mediterranean Sea. Part of Speech: Noun,
Feminine Transliteration: Kupros Phonetic Spelling: (koo'-pros) Short ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2954.htm - 6k

Since Our Brother and Fellow-Worker, John, Bishop of the Island of ...
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. Canon XXXIX. Since our brother and
fellow-worker, John, bishop of the island of Cyprus? Since our ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xxxix since our brother.htm

His Missionary Travels
... expected to choose. They went first to Cyprus, the island where his property
had been and many of his friends still were. It lay eighty ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter vi his missionary travels.htm

Our Brother Bishop Rheginus, the Beloved of God, and his Fellow ...
... to the six former canons, gave also occasion for the enacting of this, by arrogating
to himself the right of ordaining in the Island of Cyprus, in violation of ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon viii our brother bishop.htm

Monks of Palestine: Hesycas, Epiphanius, who was Afterwards in ...
... Egypt and Palestine by his attainments in monastic philosophy, and was chosen by
the inhabitants of Cyprus to act as bishop of the metropolis of their island. ...
/.../chapter xxxii monks of palestine hesycas.htm

Epiphanius Bishop of Cyprus Convenes a Synod to Condemn the Books ...
... by letter should convene a Synod of the bishops in Cyprus, in order to ... of Theophilus:
having therefore assembled a council of bishops in that island, he caused ...
/.../chapter x epiphanius bishop of cyprus.htm

First Missionary Journey Scripture
... He was a land proprietor of the island of Cyprus and early showed his zeal for Christ
by selling his land and devoting the proceeds to the cause in which he so ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study iii first missionary journey.htm

Acts XIII
... situated. Embarking upon some trading vessel, they sailed to the port of Salamis,
which is at the eastern end of the island of Cyprus. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xiii.htm

An Old Disciple
... soil, and speaking Greek. He came from Cyprus, the native island of Barnabas,
who may have been a friend of his. He was an 'old ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/an old disciple.htm

His Journey to Rome, Venice, Jerusalem, and the Holy Land
... The Spaniards advised him not to do this, as the rest thought of abandoning him
on an island. But the wind quickly conveyed them to Cyprus. ...
/.../loyola/the autobiography of st ignatius/chapter iv his journey to.htm

Acts XXVII
... to the south of Cyprus; but in tacking to make headway against a contrary wind,
they necessarily passed to the east and north-east of that island, leaving it ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvii.htm

What is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.org

What should we learn from the account of Paul and Barnabas? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Barnabas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Cyprus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus