Acts 13:4 - So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.
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What does "Acts 13:4" mean?
Acts 13:4 describes the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey, and the verse holds several key pieces of information:
"So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit...": This is crucial. It indicates that the apostles Barnabas and Paul were not acting on their own initiative. The Holy Spirit, speaking through the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch (as described in the preceding verses), specifically directed them to go. This emphasizes the divine guidance and authority behind their mission. It wasn't just a good idea; it was a divinely ordained task.
"...they went down to Seleucia.": Seleucia was a port city near Antioch (modern-day Turkey), located on the Mediterranean coast. Traveling down to Seleucia likely refers to a descent in elevation, as Antioch was situated at a higher elevation than the coast. They needed a port to embark on their journey by sea.
"From there they sailed to Cyprus.": Cyprus, an island in the eastern Mediterranean, was their first destination. Cyprus was significant for several reasons:
Barnabas' homeland: Barnabas was a native of Cyprus (Acts 4:36), which likely made it a logical starting point. He would have been familiar with the culture, language, and perhaps had contacts there.
Jewish communities: Cyprus had a sizable Jewish population, making it a potentially receptive audience for the Gospel. The apostles often began their missionary work in synagogues.
In essence, this verse signifies the launch of a mission specifically authorized and initiated by the Holy Spirit, taking Barnabas and Paul from Antioch to the port of Seleucia, and then by sea to the island of Cyprus as the first stop on their journey. It emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the early church and directing its missionary efforts. It sets the stage for the events that unfold in the rest of Acts, as Paul and Barnabas spread the Gospel throughout the Roman world.
Acts 13:4 - So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.
What does "Acts 13:4" mean?
Acts 13:4 describes the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey, and the verse holds several key pieces of information:
"So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit...": This is crucial. It indicates that the apostles Barnabas and Paul were not acting on their own initiative. The Holy Spirit, speaking through the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch (as described in the preceding verses), specifically directed them to go. This emphasizes the divine guidance and authority behind their mission. It wasn't just a good idea; it was a divinely ordained task.
"...they went down to Seleucia.": Seleucia was a port city near Antioch (modern-day Turkey), located on the Mediterranean coast. Traveling down to Seleucia likely refers to a descent in elevation, as Antioch was situated at a higher elevation than the coast. They needed a port to embark on their journey by sea.
"From there they sailed to Cyprus.": Cyprus, an island in the eastern Mediterranean, was their first destination. Cyprus was significant for several reasons:
Barnabas' homeland: Barnabas was a native of Cyprus (Acts 4:36), which likely made it a logical starting point. He would have been familiar with the culture, language, and perhaps had contacts there.
Jewish communities: Cyprus had a sizable Jewish population, making it a potentially receptive audience for the Gospel. The apostles often began their missionary work in synagogues.
In essence, this verse signifies the launch of a mission specifically authorized and initiated by the Holy Spirit, taking Barnabas and Paul from Antioch to the port of Seleucia, and then by sea to the island of Cyprus as the first stop on their journey. It emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the early church and directing its missionary efforts. It sets the stage for the events that unfold in the rest of Acts, as Paul and Barnabas spread the Gospel throughout the Roman world.