Acts 13:4
What does Acts 13:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 13:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 13:4 means
Empowered and directed by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul embarked on their journey. Their first stop was Seleucia, a port city, from which they sailed to Cyprus. This departure underscores the divine impetus behind their mission; they were not sent by human will alone but by the Holy Spirit Himself. Cyprus, being Barnabas’s home island, provided a familiar starting point for this groundbreaking evangelistic outreach. This moment marks the tangible beginning of Paul’s first missionary journey, moving the gospel beyond primarily Jewish territories to a broader Gentile world.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from there they went by ship to Cyprus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862These, indeed, then, having been sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia, thence also they sailed to Cyprus,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So they, being sent by the Holy Ghost, went to Seleucia: and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They therefore, having been sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia, and thence sailed away to Cyprus.
Context
After the church's prayerful commissioning in verse 3, this verse describes the immediate outward movement of Barnabas and Saul. Their journey from Antioch to Seleucia and then to Cyprus is the first concrete step of their missionary endeavor. This verse sets the geographical stage for their initial ministry, which is then detailed in verse 5, where they begin proclaiming the Word in Salamis. The emphasis on being 'sent forth by the Holy Spirit' affirms the divine authority and direction of their mission.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 4:36
And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,
- Acts 20:23
save that the Holy Spirit testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
- Acts 27:4
And putting to sea from thence, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
- Acts 11:19
They therefore that were scattered abroad upon the tribulation that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none save only to Jews.
- Acts 13:2
And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
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