Act 13:4-5 | KingComments | STEP | This is where the first missionary journey begins, the account of which extends to . After being called by the Holy Spirit – and so explicitly not by people ( ) – He also sends them out – and so explicitly not the church. Without reading that the Holy Spirit tells them where to go, they go on their way. It seems that Cyprus is not an accidental choice. It is the island where Barnabas comes from ( ). Perhaps he would like to start proclaiming the gospel precisely there. When they go ashore in Salamis, they first go to the synagogues of the Jews. There were several synagogues, which indicates that there was a large Jewish community on the island. Although they were sent out to the nations, in the pagan area they first look for Jews. Paul will do this later on all the time. In his love for God’s earthly people it remains for him: first the Jew and then the Greek ( ). They proclaimed the Word of God in Salamis. John, that is Mark, is also present at this preaching. John Mark went with them to help them. He wanted to dedicate his time and strength to the gospel, which he probably did by arranging all kinds of practical things for these two preachers.

‏ Acts 13:4-5

Beginning of the First Missionary Journey

This is where the first missionary journey begins, the account of which extends to Acts 14:26. After being called by the Holy Spirit – and so explicitly not by people (Gal 1:1) – He also sends them out – and so explicitly not the church. Without reading that the Holy Spirit tells them where to go, they go on their way.

It seems that Cyprus is not an accidental choice. It is the island where Barnabas comes from (Acts 4:36). Perhaps he would like to start proclaiming the gospel precisely there. When they go ashore in Salamis, they first go to the synagogues of the Jews. There were several synagogues, which indicates that there was a large Jewish community on the island. Although they were sent out to the nations, in the pagan area they first look for Jews. Paul will do this later on all the time. In his love for God’s earthly people it remains for him: first the Jew and then the Greek (Rom 1:16).

They proclaimed the Word of God in Salamis. John, that is Mark, is also present at this preaching. John Mark went with them to help them. He wanted to dedicate his time and strength to the gospel, which he probably did by arranging all kinds of practical things for these two preachers.