Biblical Sites in Cyprus
Like Greece and Turkey, Cyprus is a lovely Mediterranean country in which you can follow in the footsteps of the Apostles and visit biblical sites. Cyprus is mentioned several times in the New Testament book of Acts, and Paul's colleague Barnabas was a native of the country (Acts 4:36). Other Christians from Cyprus are mentioned in Acts 11:19-20.
In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas leave from the port at Antioch to preach in Cyprus, where they traveled "through the whole island as far as Paphos." There Paul converted the proconsul Sergius Paulus by rebuking and blinding a Jewish magician named Bar-Jesus.
In Acts 15:39, Barnabas took Mark and went to Cyprus after quarreling with Paul in Antioch. Acts 21:3 and 27:4 mention sailing past Cyprus, and Acts 21:16 says that Paul stayed in Jerusalem at "the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple."
| Larnaka |
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| Paphos - Church of St. Paul's Pillar (Hrysopolitissa) A small medieval church built near the foundations of a large 4th-century basilica and next to a column which is believed to be the one to which Paul was tied when he was whipped with "40 lashes less one" (2 Cor. 11:24-25). |
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| Salamis Located 6 miles north of Famagusta on the east coast of North Cyprus, this is where Paul and Barnabas landed in Cyprus after sailing from Antioch. There is much to see, including a Roman theater, stadium, agora and several early Christian churches. |
