Location
Overview
Paphos, on the south-western coast of Cyprus, was the Roman capital of the island. It was the climax of the first leg of Paul's first missionary journey.
Elymas the sorcerer
Having crossed the island to Paphos, the missionaries met "a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus," also called Elymas, who opposed them. Paul, "filled with the Holy Ghost," struck him blind for a season (Acts 13:6–11).
The proconsul believes
The Roman deputy Sergius Paulus, "a prudent man," seeing what was done, "believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord" (Acts 13:12) — a notable high-ranking convert.
Saul becomes Paul
It is at Paphos that the narrative shifts: "Saul, (who also is called Paul,)" takes the lead from Barnabas (Acts 13:9, 13), and from here on he is "Paul."
Events Here
Elymas is blinded and Sergius Paulus believes at Paphos
Scripture References
2 versesActs2 verses
Acts 13:6
And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
Acts 13:13
Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
Archaeology & History
Paphos (Nea Paphos) was the seat of Roman administration on Cyprus and a centre of the cult of Aphrodite, who was said to have risen from the sea nearby. Its archaeological park, with celebrated Roman mosaics, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the setting where Sergius Paulus, a real Roman official, came to faith.
People who appear here
Frequently asked about Paphos
Where is Paphos today?
Today, Paphos corresponds to Paphos, Cyprus.
What happened at Paphos in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Paphos include elymas is blinded and sergius paulus believes at paphos.
Where is Paphos first mentioned in the Bible?
Paphos is first mentioned in Acts 13:6.
How often is Paphos mentioned in the Bible?
Paphos is mentioned in 2 verses across 1 book: Acts.
What happened at Paphos?
Paul struck the sorcerer Elymas blind, and the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus believed. From this point the narrative calls Saul by the name "Paul."
Where is Paphos?
On the south-western coast of the island of Cyprus; the ancient capital, today a major archaeological site and city.