PAUL THE APOSTLE ( Part 9) | THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY ( AD 47 ) | #1 THE ISLAND OF CYPRUS
Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 3108
PAUL THE APOSTLE ( Part 9)
THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY ( AD 47 ).
#1 THE ISLAND OF CYPRUS
Three of them ( Paul, Barnabus, and Barnabus' cousin called John Mark who joined them in Jerusalem ) left Antioch for Cyprus which was Baranabus' home island about 100 kilometers from Antioch.
The first leg of the journey gave the pair the opportunity not only to hone their missionary and preaching skills but a chance to engage in spiritual combat against their formidable adversary, Elymas, also known as Barjesus.
After ministering at the eastern port of Salamis, Paul journeyed from the east side of the island across to the west side preaching in the Jewish synagogues along the way.
"We have come here to tell you the good news that the promise made to our ancestors has come about.”
[Acts 13:32]
When they reached Paphos, the city port on the western side of the island, and the seat of the Roman Proconsul - one Sergius Paulus, they encountered spiritual warfare for the first time.
When the Roman proconsul heard of the arrival of Barnabas and Saul, he sent for them, desiring to hear the word of God. Accompanying the governor was a Jew named Bar-Jesus, or Elymas, a false prophet, and magician, who, fearful of the influence of the apostles, withstood them, "seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith."
The island of Cyprus was steeped in idolatry especially in the worship of their patron Goddess Aphrodite/ Venus who was believed to have been born there.
But Paul could discern Elymas' deceitful spirit and reprimanded him with a pronouncement of God's judgment upon him. Elymas was immediately struck blind. And an impressed Serguis Paulus became a believer.
From Paphos, Paul and Barnabas sailed to Perga in Pamphylia to continue the second leg of their mission.
Abba Father, four noteworthy things happened here:
1. Paul took on spiritual warfare and overcame a false sorcerer and prophet.
2.. Paul stopped using his Hebrew name of Saul. Instead, he used his Roman name of Paul probably that it may open more doors to him as he preached the gospel to the Gentiles as a Roman citizen.
3. He also assumed the leadership of the mission trip as his name recorded in the Book of Acts now preceded that of Barnabus.
4.The impact of Paul's preaching was manifested as it was accompanied by signs and wonders There were two such miracles: the spiritually blind eyes of the governor were suddenly opened when he accepted Christ while the physical eyes of the sorcerer of the dark arts were temporarily blinded. Indeed It was a stirring time to be pioneering missionaries in the Greco-Roman world to extend God's kingdom of light where there was darkness.
