Acts 13:5 – “When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.”

Extended Explanation

This verse describes the first stop on Paul and Barnabas’s missionary journey. After being sent by the Holy Spirit and traveling from Antioch to Seleucia and then sailing to Cyprus (Acts 13:4), they arrived in Salamis, a major city on the eastern coast of the island.

Their first action upon arrival was to proclaim the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. This was a common strategy for Paul—he often began his preaching in synagogues, where he could share the gospel with Jewish people who already believed in the Old Testament and were waiting for the Messiah.

The verse also mentions John, who was with them as their helper. This refers to John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10) and the writer of the Gospel of Mark. His role as a helper likely meant that he assisted in practical matters like travel arrangements and daily needs, as well as possibly helping in ministry.

This verse highlights the intentional approach Paul and Barnabas took in sharing the gospel, starting with those who had some background in Scripture before reaching out to the wider Gentile world.

Historical Context

Salamis was one of the largest cities in Cyprus, an important trading center with a large Jewish population. Because of this, the city had multiple synagogues, making it a strategic place for Paul and Barnabas to begin their preaching.

The presence of synagogues in Cyprus shows that many Jews had settled there, likely due to trade and Roman expansion. By starting in synagogues, Paul and Barnabas followed a pattern that made it easier to explain the gospel—connecting Jesus to the Jewish Scriptures before reaching out to Gentiles.

As for John Mark, his involvement in the mission shows that the early church worked as a team. However, we later learn that he left them partway through the journey (Acts 13:13), which became a source of conflict between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37-39).

Theological Implications

1. Preaching begins with those who already have some understanding of God’s Word. Paul and Barnabas didn’t ignore the Jewish people; they first shared the gospel in synagogues, recognizing that Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
2. The gospel is meant to spread outward. Although they started with the Jews, the message of Jesus was for everyone, and Paul would later focus more on Gentiles (Acts 13:46-47).
3. Ministry is a team effort. Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark worked together, showing that God calls different people to play different roles in spreading His Word.
4. Not all mission work goes smoothly. John Mark later abandoned the journey, reminding us that even in the early church, ministry had its challenges.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, presents this verse in a straightforward way, describing the missionary strategy and the key people involved. The phrase “proclaimed the word of God” emphasizes the core mission of Paul and Barnabas—preaching was their top priority.

The phrase “John was with them as their helper” is significant because it introduces an important but secondary character. Though John Mark plays a small role here, his later departure will lead to a serious disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37-39). This foreshadowing adds depth to Luke’s storytelling.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 1:16 – Paul says the gospel is for the Jew first, then for the Gentile. This explains why he started preaching in synagogues.
• Acts 17:2-3 – Paul follows the same pattern in other cities, first preaching to Jews before turning to Gentiles.
• Matthew 10:5-6 – Jesus originally sent His disciples to the lost sheep of Israel before expanding to the nations.
• Colossians 4:10 – John Mark is identified as Barnabas’s cousin, showing his connection to this mission.
• Acts 15:37-39 – John Mark’s later departure from the mission causes conflict between Paul and Barnabas.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Start sharing the gospel with those who are ready to listen. Paul and Barnabas started in synagogues because the people there already believed in Scripture. Today, believers can begin by sharing Jesus with those who have some openness to God’s Word—whether in churches, Bible studies, or personal conversations.
2. Ministry is not a solo effort. Just as Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark worked together, Christians today should serve as part of a team—encouraging and supporting one another.
3. Be faithful, even when things don’t go as planned. John Mark’s presence here reminds us that not everyone will stay committed, but God’s mission continues.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His desire for all people to hear the gospel. Paul and Barnabas didn’t randomly choose where to go—they were guided by the Holy Spirit, showing that God was actively reaching out to people, giving them a chance to hear the good news of Jesus.

God also shows His love through patience. John Mark would later abandon the mission, but he wasn’t cast aside forever. Later in life, he was restored and became a valued co-worker of Paul again (2 Timothy 4:11). This shows that God’s love allows second chances and restores those who have stumbled.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus also began His ministry among the Jews. Paul and Barnabas were following Christ’s example. Jesus preached in synagogues (Luke 4:16-21) and reached out to His own people first.
2. Jesus taught the importance of teamwork in ministry. Just as He sent out disciples two by two (Mark 6:7), we see Paul and Barnabas working together, not alone.
3. Jesus is at the center of the gospel being preached. Paul and Barnabas weren’t sharing a new philosophy—they were declaring that Jesus is the Messiah, the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul and Barnabas started preaching in Jewish synagogues rather than immediately going to Gentiles?
2. What can we learn from their approach to sharing the gospel?
3. How can we support and work together with others in ministry, just as Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark did?
4. Have you ever started something for God but felt like quitting, like John Mark did? What encouragement can you take from how God restored him later?
5. How can you be faithful in sharing God’s Word, even when you don’t see immediate results?

Acts 13:5 reminds us that spreading the gospel is a team effort and that God calls His people to be intentional in how they share His Word. Whether we are preaching, supporting others, or simply living out our faith, we all have a role in God’s mission!