When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Though sent to the Gentiles, Paul and Barnabas logically began their mission by preaching in Jewish synagogues, a familiar setting for them. What's easy to overlook is that they brought John Mark along not as an equal, but as an "attendant" or helper, signifying that even the apostles relied on practical support for their vital work.
When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Sent out by the Holy Spirit, Paul and Barnabas land on Cyprus and begin their mission by preaching in the Jewish synagogues of Salamis. Accompanying them is John Mark, who serves as their attendant, assisting them with practical needs so they can focus on sharing God's message. This sets the stage for their journey across the island, encountering both receptive listeners and strong opposition.
When Paul and Barnabas set out on their mission, they didn't just land anywhere and start shouting. They had a plan.
The Apostle's Strategy
Paul and Barnabas arrived in Salamis and immediately went to the synagogues. This wasn't an accident; it was a deliberate strategy rooted in how Jewish people lived and worshipped.
The text mentions John (Mark) was with them as their 'minister.' What did that really mean for this young man's journey?
The Role of a Helper
The word used for John's role, 'minister' (Greek: hyperetes), doesn't necessarily mean a high-ranking official. Instead, it points to someone who assists, serves, and perhaps even learns the ropes.
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Understand the original words
logos tou theou · Greek Noun phrase
The message of the Gospel—the announcement of God’s redemptive plan, His character, and His commands, centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ.
synagōgē · Greek Noun
Local Jewish gathering places for the reading of the Torah, instruction in the Law, and prayer, which served as initial venues for the early Christian missionaries to preach the Gospel.
The mention of John Mark's service in Salamis highlights his early role in the nascent Christian movement, foreshadowing his later significance as a Gospel writer and companion to key apostles.
c. AD 40s
First Jewish Revolt Ignites
The Great Revolt of the Jews against Roman rule begins in Judea, characterized by intense violence. This event had lasting repercussions for Jewish communities throughout the Roman Empire.
c. AD 115-117
Second Jewish Revolt and Suppression
A major Jewish uprising, known as the Kitos War, erupts across the empire, including a devastating revolt on Cyprus. Roman forces brutally suppress the rebellion, forbidding Jews from setting foot on the island.
c. AD 40-50— this verse
Paul and Barnabas Begin Mission
Sent out by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul (Paul) embark on their first major missionary journey, taking them to Cyprus and the wider Gentile world.
c. AD 60
Mark's Gospel Circulation
John Mark, who accompanied Paul and Barnabas, likely begins to circulate his account of Jesus' life and teachings, possibly serving as an early written record for the church.
This verse highlights Jesus' Great Commission to his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, which is the underlying mission Paul and Barnabas are carrying out in Acts 13.
Luke 24:47Jesus himself commissioned his followers to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in his name to all nations, beginning with Jerusalem, echoing the pattern of preaching in synagogues first before moving to Gentiles.
Acts 17:2This passage shows Paul's consistent practice of going to the Jewish synagogues first in every city he visited, demonstrating a strategy of evangelism that began with the Jewish community.
Romans 1:16Paul's declaration that he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Gentile, perfectly encapsulates the approach seen in Acts 13:5.
Acts 13:46This verse explicitly states that Paul and Barnabas decided to turn to the Gentiles because the Jews had rejected the message, reinforcing the initial strategy of preaching to Jews first.
ellicottActs 13:5: "And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister."
(5) When they were at Salamis. —The city was, as stated above, at the east end of Cyprus. The mention of “synagogues” implies a considerable Jewish population, and to these the Apostles, following the general rule announced in Acts 13:46 , naturally, in the first instance, turned. They had also John to their minister.—The noun so rendered is not that…
clarkeActs 13:5: "And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister."
Salamis - The capital of the island of Cyprus; afterwards called Constantia, and now Salina, situated on the eastern part of the island. They preached the word of God - Τον λογον, The doctrine of God, the Christian religion, emphatically so called. They had also John to their minister - This was John Mark, of whom we heard, Acts 12:25; for their mini…
Though sent to the Gentiles, Paul and Barnabas logically began their mission by preaching in Jewish synagogues, a familiar setting for them. What's easy to overlook is that they brought John Mark along not as an equal, but as an "attendant" or helper, signifying that even the apostles relied on practical support for their vital work.
Sent out by the Holy Spirit, Paul and Barnabas land on Cyprus and begin their mission by preaching in the Jewish synagogues of Salamis. Accompanying them is John Mark, who serves as their attendant, assisting them with practical needs so they can focus on sharing God's message. This sets the stage for their journey across the island, encountering both receptive listeners and strong opposition.
Sent out by the Holy Spirit, Paul and Barnabas land on Cyprus and begin their mission by preaching in the Jewish synagogues of Salamis. Accompanying them is John Mark, who serves as their attendant, assisting them with practical needs so they can focus on sharing God's message. This sets the stage for their journey across the island, encountering both receptive listeners and strong opposition.
"When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them." — Though sent to the Gentiles, Paul and Barnabas logically began their mission by preaching in Jewish synagogues, a familiar setting for them. What's easy to overlook is that they brought John Mark alo…
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Last reviewed October 2026