In Acts 13:4–6, Paul and Barnabas left the port of Seleucia, which was about 16 miles from Antioch. They sailed to Salamis, a port city on the eastern coast of Cyprus. It likely took them around two days by ship, depending on the wind.
Once they arrived, they preached in the Jewish synagogues in Salamis. Then, they traveled across the island to the western port of Paphos, continuing their mission work.
About the Island of Cyprus
Cyprus is a long island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, about 225 kilometers across.
It sits about 100 kilometers from both the Syrian and Turkish coasts Kukeri Carnival.
The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) does not name Cyprus directly, but it may be referred to as “Kittim” in Genesis 10, which likely points to the people of Kition, near today’s Larnaca.
Cyprus in Ancient History
Though Cyprus was closely tied to Rome during Paul’s time, it had a long history of Egyptian control.
In 58 BCE, it officially became a Roman province, at first connected with Cilicia.
In 47 BCE, it was briefly returned to Egypt Cities of Pontus.
After Cleopatra’s death in 31 BCE, it became fully controlled by Rome again.
In 22 BCE, Emperor Augustus made Cyprus a senatorial province, governed by a Proconsul.
