As a priest, I am humbly called upon to render a biblical insight into the significance of Cyprus, a renowned island in the larger biblical context. Respectfully seated in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 60 miles west of Syria and 50 miles south of Turkey, Cyprus holds significant mention in the Bible, in both the Old and the New Testaments.
The epithet of Cyprus, ‘Kypros,’ meaning ‘Land of the Cypress Trees,’ was bestowed upon it by the Greeks. Cyprus, in biblical times, was an active participant in commerce as it produced corn, oil, wine, timber, and minerals that were transported to distant ports. This analogy can be related to our present effort in serving the church, drawing resources to project the word of God to distant corners.
Cyprus, often referred to as Kittim in the Bible, makes its first appearance in Numbers 24:24 with Balaam’s prophecy to Balak. The prophecy noted that the people of Cyprus would one day invade, causing distress to Assyria and Israel, but would eventually falter. This tale is reminiscent of the transient victories of the world, and no matter our successes or defeats, our ultimate redemption lies with the Lord.
Cyprus’s prevalence in the New Testament is equally important. It was the home of Barnabas, a prominent figure referred to in Acts 4:36. Cyprus also housed Mnason, believed to be one of the first converts at Pentecost, as recounted in Acts 2:41 and 21:16. In the aftermath of Stephen’s martyrdom, Christians from Cyprus, among other areas, traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch disseminating the word of Jesus Christ among Jews (Acts 11:19). Cyprus’s believers went to Syria’s Antioch, evangelizing the Greeks about Lord Jesus (verse 20). From this context, it can be gleaned that the Lord always blesses those who take up His work wholeheartedly, thereby amplifying faith in Him.
Relating to Cyprus’s involvement in unifying God’s people, Paul journeyed to the island alongside Barnabas and John Mark (Acts 13:4–13). They spoke about God’s words in the synagogues in Salamis, bringing this religion through Cyprus. They encountered obstacles when they faced Sergius Paulus’s associate, Elymas, who stood against their teachings. Still, with the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, Paul recalled story in Acts 13:4-12, made Elymas blind, leading to Sergius Paulus’s conversion.
The importance of Cyprus can be gleaned further with John Mark’s abandonment of Paul and Barnabas’s team, leading to Barnabas’s return to Cyprus for more evangelistic work (Acts 15:38-39). Even though Paul did not visit Cyprus again, the island symbolizes dedication, belief, and the propagation of the gospel.
The depiction of Cyprus in the Bible reaffirms it as a known entity, not unlike a milestone in one’s journey. It is repeatedly noted as a significant location during travel (Acts 21:3; 27:4), a reference point familiar to the original readers of Acts, much like how we still refer to our own landmarks today. Reading about Cyprus in the biblical context is a call to action for us to be the harbinger of faith and love, regardless of the tribulations we encounter.
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