Acts 13:5
What does Acts 13:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 13:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 13:5 means
Upon arriving in Salamis, a major city on the island of Cyprus, Barnabas and Saul immediately began their ministry by proclaiming the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. This approach was consistent with the early apostolic strategy of reaching out to Jewish communities first, as they were familiar with the Scriptures. Their attendant, John (also known as Mark), assisted them. This initial phase of their mission in Salamis demonstrates their commitment to sharing the gospel within established religious contexts, leveraging the synagogue as a platform for their message before extending to Gentiles.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John as their attendant.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John as their attendant.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And at Salamis they were preaching the word of God in the Synagogues of the Jews: and John was with them, helping them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and having come unto Salamis, they declared the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and they had also John <FI>as<Fi> a ministrant;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when they were come to Salamina, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John also in the ministry.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And being in Salamis, they announced the word ofGod in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John also as [their] attendant.
Context
Following their arrival in Cyprus from Seleucia in verse 4, this verse details Barnabas and Saul’s immediate actions in Salamis. Their strategy of preaching in Jewish synagogues is introduced here, establishing the initial focus of their ministry. This sets the pattern for their outreach in new cities, which will continue throughout their journey. The narrative then progresses to their travels across the island and a significant encounter in Paphos, as described in verses 6-8.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 19:8
And he entered into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, reasoning and persuading as to the things concerning the kingdom of God.
- Acts 13:14
But they, passing through from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia; and they went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
- Acts 18:4
And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks.
- Acts 14:1
And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.
- Acts 13:46
And Paul and Barnabas spake out boldly, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first be spoken to you. Seeing ye thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
- Acts 12:25
And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministration, taking with them John whose surname was Mark.
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