Acts 13:5 - When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed God’s word in the Jewish synagogues. They had also John as their attendant.
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What does "Acts 13:5" mean?
Acts 13:5 describes the beginning of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey. Let's break down the meaning of each part of the verse:
"When they were at Salamis..." Salamis was a major port city on the island of Cyprus, Barnabas's home. It was likely the first place they landed after sailing from Antioch (Acts 13:4).
"...they proclaimed God's word..." This is the central activity of their mission. "God's word" refers to the gospel message, the good news about Jesus Christ. "Proclaimed" indicates they were speaking publicly and boldly about this message.
"...in the Jewish synagogues..." Paul's typical approach (and Barnabas, too, as a fellow Jew) was to first preach in the Jewish synagogues of a town. This was logical for several reasons:
Synagogues provided an existing audience already familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, which Paul used to demonstrate that Jesus was the Messiah.
It was a cultural and religious point of connection with his own people.
It represented a natural outreach strategy, starting with those most likely to understand the foundation of the gospel.
"...They had also John as their attendant." John refers to John Mark, who accompanied Paul and Barnabas on this part of the journey. "Attendant" (or "helper" in some translations) suggests that John Mark assisted them in practical ways. He may have helped with:
Logistics: Finding lodging, procuring food, and other practical needs.
Assisting during preaching: Distributing scrolls, helping with crowd control, and possibly even teaching.
Baptizing new converts.
In summary, Acts 13:5 describes Paul and Barnabas beginning their missionary journey in Salamis, Cyprus, by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the local Jewish synagogues, with John Mark assisting them in various practical ways.
Key Takeaways:
Priority of Synagogues: This verse highlights the common practice of Paul to begin his ministry in the synagogues.
Teamwork: Mission was not done alone. Paul and Barnabas worked together, and John Mark provided valuable support.
Proclamation: The essence of their mission was the bold and public sharing of God's message.
The following verses in Acts 13 describe their journey through Cyprus and then Paul's sermon in the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia, showcasing the development and effect of their mission. This verse sets the scene for the beginning of their efforts.
Acts 13:5 - When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed God’s word in the Jewish synagogues. They had also John as their attendant.
What does "Acts 13:5" mean?
Acts 13:5 describes the beginning of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey. Let's break down the meaning of each part of the verse:
"When they were at Salamis..." Salamis was a major port city on the island of Cyprus, Barnabas's home. It was likely the first place they landed after sailing from Antioch (Acts 13:4).
"...they proclaimed God's word..." This is the central activity of their mission. "God's word" refers to the gospel message, the good news about Jesus Christ. "Proclaimed" indicates they were speaking publicly and boldly about this message.
"...in the Jewish synagogues..." Paul's typical approach (and Barnabas, too, as a fellow Jew) was to first preach in the Jewish synagogues of a town. This was logical for several reasons:
Synagogues provided an existing audience already familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, which Paul used to demonstrate that Jesus was the Messiah.
It was a cultural and religious point of connection with his own people.
It represented a natural outreach strategy, starting with those most likely to understand the foundation of the gospel.
"...They had also John as their attendant." John refers to John Mark, who accompanied Paul and Barnabas on this part of the journey. "Attendant" (or "helper" in some translations) suggests that John Mark assisted them in practical ways. He may have helped with:
Logistics: Finding lodging, procuring food, and other practical needs.
Assisting during preaching: Distributing scrolls, helping with crowd control, and possibly even teaching.
Baptizing new converts.
In summary, Acts 13:5 describes Paul and Barnabas beginning their missionary journey in Salamis, Cyprus, by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the local Jewish synagogues, with John Mark assisting them in various practical ways.
Key Takeaways:
Priority of Synagogues: This verse highlights the common practice of Paul to begin his ministry in the synagogues.
Teamwork: Mission was not done alone. Paul and Barnabas worked together, and John Mark provided valuable support.
Proclamation: The essence of their mission was the bold and public sharing of God's message.
The following verses in Acts 13 describe their journey through Cyprus and then Paul's sermon in the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia, showcasing the development and effect of their mission. This verse sets the scene for the beginning of their efforts.