Topical Bible: Paul: Preaches at Paphos

◄ Paul: Preaches at Paphos ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Biblical Context:
The account of Paul preaching at Paphos is found in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 13:4-12. This event marks a significant moment in the early missionary journeys of Paul and Barnabas, as they embark on their first missionary journey after being set apart by the Holy Spirit in Antioch (Acts 13:2-3).

Geographical and Historical Background:
Paphos was a prominent city on the island of Cyprus, known for its worship of the goddess Aphrodite. It served as the administrative center of the Roman province of Cyprus. The city was divided into Old Paphos and New Paphos, with the latter being the seat of the Roman proconsul. The presence of a Roman official highlights the strategic importance of Cyprus in the Roman Empire.

The Missionary Journey:
Paul and Barnabas, accompanied by John Mark, sailed from Seleucia to Cyprus, arriving first at Salamis, where they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues (Acts 13:5). Their journey across the island eventually brought them to Paphos, where they encountered significant spiritual opposition.

Encounter with Elymas the Sorcerer:
In Paphos, Paul and Barnabas were summoned by the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man who sought to hear the word of God (Acts 13:7). However, they faced opposition from a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, also known as Elymas. Elymas attempted to turn the proconsul away from the faith, opposing the message of the apostles.

Paul's Confrontation and Miracle:
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul confronted Elymas directly, rebuking him for his deceit and villainy. Paul declared, "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?" (Acts 13:10). Paul then pronounced a temporary blindness upon Elymas, a divine judgment that immediately took effect, leaving Elymas groping for someone to lead him by the hand (Acts 13:11).

Impact on Sergius Paulus:
The miraculous blinding of Elymas had a profound impact on Sergius Paulus. Witnessing the power of God, the proconsul believed, being astonished at the teaching about the Lord (Acts 13:12). This conversion of a Roman official underscores the reach and transformative power of the Gospel, even among the Gentile authorities.

Theological Significance:
Paul's preaching at Paphos illustrates the spiritual warfare inherent in the spread of the Gospel. The confrontation with Elymas highlights the opposition faced by the early church from both spiritual and human adversaries. The event also demonstrates the authority of the apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to overcome such opposition and affirm the truth of the Gospel through signs and wonders.

Legacy and Influence:
The conversion of Sergius Paulus is a testament to the effectiveness of Paul's ministry and the work of the Holy Spirit in opening hearts to the Gospel. This event at Paphos serves as an early example of the Gospel's penetration into the Roman world, setting the stage for the broader mission to the Gentiles that would characterize Paul's apostolic work.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 13:6
And when they had gone through the isle to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Why Saul Became Paul
... we read that 'Paul and his company loosed from Paphos.'. ... his theory of conversion,
which he preaches in all ... The transition is described by Paul as 'passing from ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/why saul became paul.htm

The Gospel According to St. Mark
... After crossing from Paphos to the mainland of Asia Minor ... Paul wrote the Epistle to
the Romans in AD56 ... The call of the four fishermen, Jesus preaches and heals at ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter iv the gospel according.htm

The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects.
... book of, [17]88, [18]98, [19]112, [20]113, [21]117, [22]122, [23]136, [24]137,
[25]163, 172, [26]261, [27]310; written by Luke during Paul's imprisonment in ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/the church history of eusebius.htm