Salamis, Cyprus - the start of Paul’s first missionary journey
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”
“So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.”
Acts 13:2-5
In Acts 13, we begin to read about the missionary journeys of Saul/Paul. Barnabus and Saul were sent out by the Christians at Antioch, who were moved by the Holy Spirit to spread the good news of Christ’s resurrection and our salvation.
Barnabus was a native of Cyprus. Salamis was a major trading port and in times prior their missionary journey the Cypriot capital, and the nearest Cyprus port to Paul’s departure from Seleucia, the port of Antioch. At that time, Cyprus was part of the Cilician province and Tarsus was the capital of Cilicia. So both Paul and Barnabus had connections here, and we know from early historians that there was a large population of Jews and numerous synagogues in Cyprus. Unfortunately, none have been located as of yet in Salamis.
The archeological site of Salamis is large, with the north entrance near many of the main features. We ran out of time to see ruins in the southern section of the site ( several Byzantine era basilicas, remains of a temple to Zeus, cisterns). The site is large and probably half a day is needed to see everything.
We were able to see remains of the breakwaters at the ancient port and most of the features of the northern section. You will see in the pictures Hellenistic remains of a pool surrounded by statuary ( now headless) and a colonnaded walkway and colonnaded palestra near the gymnasium. Also a large bath complex with mosaic features still visible. There are still mosaic floors and some later inscriptions in the floors with Christian symbols.
A short walk from this area brings you to remains of the stadium and the Roman era theater. Beyond the theater is another large bath complex, more colonnaded walkways and the remains of a fish market.
Salamis was nearly destroyed by earthquake in the 4th century AD and then completely abandoned during Arab raids in the 7th century AD. There are some sites related to Barnabus including a Church of St Barnabus and the supposed tomb of Barnabus west of the Salamis site.
For more biblical travel pictures visit:
www.scriptureinstone.org
www.highergrounddrone.com
#BiblicalArchaeology #cyprus #salamis #firstmissionaryjourney #Barnabus #Acts13
Overhead view of the archeological site of Salamis
