Location
Overview
Cyprus, the large island off the Syrian coast, was the homeland of Barnabas and the first field of the church's organised mission to the Gentiles.
The home of Barnabas
"Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas... a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus" (Acts 4:36) was a leading figure of the early church and Paul's first partner.
The first missionary journey
Sent out from Antioch, Barnabas and Saul "sailed to Cyprus" and preached "in the synagogues... throughout the isle unto Paphos" (Acts 13:4–6).
Elymas struck blind
At Paphos the sorcerer Elymas opposed them, and Paul struck him blind; the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus "believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord" (Acts 13:8–12). It was here that Saul is first called Paul.
Events Here
Paul and Barnabas evangelise Cyprus; Elymas is struck blind
Scripture References
8 versesActs8 verses
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,
Acts 11:19
Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
Acts 11:20
And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Acts 13:4
So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
Acts 15:39
And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
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.
Acts 21:16
There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
Acts 27:4
And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
Archaeology & History
Cyprus, rich in copper (which took its very name from the island), was an important Roman senatorial province. The early scattering of believers after Stephen's death reached Cyprus (Acts 11:19), and the island remained closely tied to Barnabas, who returned to it with John Mark after parting from Paul (Acts 15:39).
People who appear here
Frequently asked about Cyprus
Where is Cyprus today?
Today, Cyprus corresponds to Cyprus.
What does the name Cyprus mean?
The name Cyprus means “Copper (the island named the metal)”.
What happened at Cyprus in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Cyprus include paul and barnabas evangelise cyprus; elymas is struck blind.
Where is Cyprus first mentioned in the Bible?
Cyprus is first mentioned in Acts 4:36.
How often is Cyprus mentioned in the Bible?
Cyprus is mentioned in 8 verses across 1 book: Acts.
Why is Cyprus important in Acts?
It was the home of Barnabas and the first destination of Paul and Barnabas’s first missionary journey, where the proconsul Sergius Paulus believed and the sorcerer Elymas was struck blind.
Where is Cyprus?
A large island in the eastern Mediterranean, south of Asia Minor and west of the Syrian coast.