Page 72 - acts_study_book2

And when they (Barnabas and Saul) were at Salamis, they preached the Word of God in the
synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister (huperetes).

Salamis, the eastern seaboard of Cyprus, is known as the Greek harbor. When they land, they
preach their first message in the synagogues (Romans 1:16).

Preaching the Word of God in denominational churches is nothing new. Paul and Barnabas do
this on their first missionary journey at their first stop. John Mark, who has been mentioned
before, now joins them. Mark is probably the nephew of Barnabas.

THE UNDERROWER

Mark wrote the book of Mark from notes and stories Peter had shared with him. The Greek
word for “minister” means underrower. For slaves, this was the lowest position on a Roman
ship. There were three levels of rowers, and the newest slaves were placed on the bottom
level. It was considered a promotion to be raised to the second level. A slave could rise to the

highest position on the first level of the ship. Paul and Barnabas are probably first level rowers
and Mark traveled with them to carry their suitcases, booked their hotel and transportation,
and prepare the churches for when they arrived to speak.

Although Paul and Barnabas are top level rowers, they are still rowers. The passengers who
ride on the deck are the greatest. The congregations are the ones who make the ministry
possible.

BAR-JESUS THE SORERER

Act 13:6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer,
a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:

Paphos is a seaport on the western end of Cyprus known as the Phoenician harbor. It was
famous for the occult and the worship of Venus (verse 19). Bar-Jesus was in league with Satan.
He was demon possessed and the advisor to the ruler of the island (Daniel 10:13, 20).

Act 13:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called

for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

Which was with (an advisor to) the deputy (pro counsel) of the country, Sergius Paulus, a
prudent (intelligent) man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the Word of
God.