Topical Bible: Paul: Preaches at Salamis

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The account of Paul preaching at Salamis is found in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 13:4-5. This event marks the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey, a pivotal moment in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentile world. The journey was undertaken in obedience to the Holy Spirit's direction, as the church at Antioch set apart Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which they were called (Acts 13:2).

Context and Background

Salamis was a prominent city on the eastern coast of Cyprus, known for its strategic location and bustling trade. Cyprus itself was a significant island in the Mediterranean, rich in resources and diverse in its population. The presence of a substantial Jewish community in Salamis is evidenced by the mention of synagogues, which served as the initial platform for Paul's preaching.

The Mission Begins

Acts 13:4-5 states, "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." This passage highlights several key elements of Paul's mission strategy and the early church's reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance.

1. Divine Commissioning: The journey to Salamis was not a human initiative but a divine commissioning. The Holy Spirit's role in directing the mission underscores the importance of spiritual discernment and obedience in the work of evangelism.

2. Teamwork and Support: Paul and Barnabas were accompanied by John Mark, who served as their helper. This collaboration reflects the early church's emphasis on teamwork and mutual support in ministry endeavors.

3. Strategic Approach: By beginning their mission in the synagogues, Paul and Barnabas utilized a strategic approach that leveraged their Jewish heritage and knowledge of the Scriptures. This method allowed them to connect with the Jewish audience, laying a foundation for the broader proclamation of the Gospel.

Preaching the Word of God

The core activity in Salamis was the proclamation of the word of God. This phrase encapsulates the essence of Paul's mission: to declare the message of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and the hope for all nations. The synagogues provided a ready audience familiar with the Scriptures, enabling Paul to reason and persuade from the texts that pointed to Jesus as the Messiah.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the text in Acts does not detail specific challenges faced in Salamis, the broader narrative of Acts reveals that Paul's ministry often encountered opposition, particularly from those resistant to the message of Jesus as the Messiah. However, these challenges also presented opportunities for the demonstration of God's power and the resilience of the Gospel message.

Legacy and Impact

Paul's preaching in Salamis set the stage for the subsequent spread of Christianity throughout Cyprus and beyond. This initial foray into Gentile territory was a significant step in the fulfillment of the Great Commission, as the Gospel began to reach the ends of the earth. The mission to Salamis exemplifies the early church's commitment to evangelism, the strategic use of existing religious structures, and the reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance in advancing God's kingdom.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 13:5
And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Letter Li. From Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis, in Cyprus, to John ...
... From Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis, in Cyprus, to John ... after the similitude of God."
[1298] Paul, too, the ... sorely needs God's pity"for he preaches and teaches ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter li from epiphanius bishop.htm

The Gospel According to St. Mark
... Mark had been a "minister" of the synagogue at Salamis. ... 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

Letter cxxvii. To Principia.
... and it is in vain that his tongue preaches poverty or ... while the second presided over
that of Salamis in Cyprus ... her to the basilica of the apostle Paul, that you ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxvii to principia.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... Paul of Samosata had admitted the existence of an eternal but impersonal Logos in ...
atheists, because we do not concur in what he publicly preaches; namely, "God ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm