When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. And John was with them as their helper. When they arrived at Salamis,Salamis stood on Cyprus’s eastern coast and served as an important commercial center. Cyprus was Barnabas’s homeland, making it a fitting first field for the church’s missionary work (Acts 4:36). The city’s connections by sea and trade created opportunities for the gospel to travel beyond the island through those who heard and believed. Act 15:39-41 Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company.… they proclaimed the word of God Paul and Barnabas announced God’s saving message centered on Jesus Christ, His death for sin, and His resurrection. Their work fulfilled the risen Lord’s command to make disciples among the nations (Matthew 28:19–20). The gospel was not a private philosophy but God’s authoritative word, calling hearers to repent, believe, and receive salvation through Christ. Act 9:20 Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues… in the Jewish synagogues. The synagogues provided a natural beginning because Jewish worshipers already knew the Scriptures, the promises to Abraham, and the hope of the coming Messiah. Paul’s later pattern of bringing the gospel “to the Jew first” is already evident here (Romans 1:16). The presence of several synagogues also indicates a substantial Jewish population in Salamis. Luk 4:16-21 Then Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up.… And John was with them as their helper. John Mark accompanied Barnabas and Saul in practical service, assisting the mission as it moved through unfamiliar places. He was Barnabas’s cousin (Colossians 4:10) and later became connected with Peter’s ministry and the Gospel of Mark (1 Peter 5:13). His early participation reveals that gospel work required both public proclamation and faithful support, though his later departure would test the partnership between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37–39). Act 12:25 When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their mission… Persons / Places / Events 1. SalamisA city on the eastern coast of Cyprus, significant as the first location where Paul and Barnabas preached during their missionary journey. It was a major city with a substantial Jewish population, which is why they began their ministry in the synagogues there. 2. Paul and Barnabas Key figures in the early Christian church, sent out by the Holy Spirit from the church in Antioch to spread the Gospel. Their mission marks the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey. 3. John (Mark) Also known as John Mark, he accompanied Paul and Barnabas as a helper. He is traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of Mark and is a relative of Barnabas. 4. Jewish Synagogues The initial focus of Paul and Barnabas's ministry in each city they visited. Synagogues were central to Jewish community life and served as a strategic starting point for spreading the Gospel to both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. 5. Proclamation of the Word of God The central activity of Paul and Barnabas's mission, emphasizing the importance of preaching and teaching as foundational to the spread of Christianity. Teaching Points Strategic EvangelismPaul and Barnabas's approach to begin their ministry in synagogues teaches us the importance of starting where people are already gathered and open to spiritual discussions. Teamwork in Ministry The inclusion of John Mark as a helper highlights the value of teamwork and the support roles that are crucial in ministry efforts. Cultural Sensitivity By starting in the synagogues, Paul and Barnabas show respect for Jewish customs and traditions, which can be a model for engaging with different cultures today. Faithful Proclamation The focus on proclaiming the Word of God underscores the centrality of Scripture in evangelism and discipleship. Perseverance in Mission Despite challenges, Paul and Barnabas's commitment to their mission encourages believers to remain steadfast in their calling. Bible Study Questions 1. Why do you think Paul and Barnabas chose to start their ministry in the synagogues, and how can this strategy be applied in modern evangelism?2. What role did John Mark play in this missionary journey, and what does this teach us about the importance of support roles in ministry? 3. How does the setting of Salamis as a diverse and strategic location inform our understanding of where and how to share the Gospel today? 4. In what ways can we ensure that the proclamation of the Word of God remains central in our personal and communal faith practices? 5. How can the example of Paul and Barnabas's perseverance in their mission encourage us in facing challenges in our own spiritual journeys? Connections to Other Scriptures Acts 9:20This verse highlights Paul's immediate proclamation of Jesus in the synagogues after his conversion, showing a consistent pattern in his ministry approach. Mark 1:1 Connects to John Mark, who is believed to have written the Gospel of Mark, emphasizing his role in the early church and his later contributions to the New Testament. Romans 1:16 Paul’s declaration that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Gentile, reflecting his strategy of starting in the synagogues. People Barjesus, Barnabas, Benjamin, Cis, David, Elymas, Herod, Israelites, Jesse, John, Kish, Lucius, Manaen, Niger, Paul, Pilate, Samuel, Saul, Sergius, SimeonPlaces Canaan, Cyprus, Cyrene, Egypt, Galilee, Iconium, Jerusalem, Pamphylia, Paphos, Perga, Pisidia, Pisidian Antioch, Salamis, Seleucia, Syrian AntiochTopics Announce, Announced, Arrived, Assist, Assistant, Attendant, Declared, God's, Helper, Helping, Jewish, Jews, John, Message, Minister, Ministrant, Preached, Preaching, Proclaim, Proclaimed, Reached, Salamis, Sal'amis, SynagoguesDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 13:5 1690 word of God 3224 Holy Spirit, and preaching Library Easter TuesdayText: Acts 13, 26-39. 26 Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth. 27 For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet asked they of Pilate that he should be slain. 29 And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him, they … Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II John Mark Unworthy of Life 'Full of the Holy Ghost' Why Saul Became Paul To the Regions Beyond The First Preaching in Asia Minor Luther --A Stone on the Cairn Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers Gospel Missions His Own Funeral Sermon Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work Separated unto the Holy Ghost In Endeavouring to Prove that Such Intercession Derives Some Support from Scripture they Labour In... Mr. Moody and Rev. Marcus Rainsford. The Man after God's Own Heart Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes The Holy Spirit Sending Men Forth to Definite Lines of Work. Via Dolorosa The Kingdom Conquering the World The Extension of the Church Throughout the World Early Life the Place of Paul +The Man First Missionary Journey Scripture Paul's Missionary Labors. Links Acts 13:5 NIVActs 13:5 NLT Acts 13:5 ESV Acts 13:5 NASB Acts 13:5 KJV Acts 13:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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