Acts 13:5

KJV

And 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when they were {G1096} at {G1722} Salamis {G4529}, they preached {G2605} the word {G3056} of God {G2316} in {G1722} the synagogues {G4864} of the Jews {G2453}: and {G1161} they had {G2192} also {G2532} John {G2491} to their minister {G5257}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After landing in Salamis, they began proclaiming the word of God in the synagogues, with Yochanan (Mark) as an assistant;

Berean Standard Bible

When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. And John was with them as their helper.

American Standard Version

And 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:5 details the initial phase of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey, immediately after their commissioning by the Holy Spirit. Upon arriving in Salamis, a significant port city on the island of Cyprus, their strategic evangelistic approach is revealed as they begin their ministry by proclaiming the word of God within the Jewish synagogues, accompanied by John Mark who served as their assistant. This verse succinctly captures the setting, the core message, and the composition of the missionary team as they embark on their pivotal work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 13 marks a significant turning point in the book of Acts, shifting focus from Peter's ministry primarily to the Jews in Jerusalem and Judea to Paul's extensive missionary endeavors among both Jews and Gentiles throughout the Roman Empire. The preceding verses ([Acts 13:1-3](/acts/13-1-3 "Acts 13:1-3 - The Sending of Paul and Barnabas")) describe the Holy Spirit's direct commissioning of Barnabas and Saul (who will soon be called Paul) for a specific work, setting them apart from the church in Antioch. Verse 4 notes their immediate departure, "being sent forth by the Holy Ghost," to Seleucia and then sailing to Cyprus. Acts 13:5, therefore, serves as the very first concrete action of this divinely initiated mission, establishing their methodology and team composition for the journey ahead. The subsequent verses ([Acts 13:6-12](/acts/13-6-12 "Acts 13:6-12 - Encounter with Elymas and Sergius Paulus")) recount their encounter with a Jewish sorcerer, Bar-Jesus (Elymas), and the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus, demonstrating the power of the Gospel in a pagan setting.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Salamis was the most important city on the eastern coast of Cyprus, serving as a major port and commercial center with a substantial Jewish population. As was common in the Roman Empire, Jewish communities often established synagogues in cities where they resided, serving not only as places of worship but also as community centers, schools, and legal forums. These synagogues provided a natural and logical starting point for Jewish missionaries like Paul and Barnabas. They offered a ready audience already familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures, providing a common ground for discussing the Messiah. The presence of a "minister" or assistant like John Mark was also typical for traveling teachers or apostles, who would require help with practical matters, logistics, and perhaps even copying scriptures or messages. Cyprus itself was a Roman senatorial province, and its strategic location made it an ideal initial target for a mission aiming to spread the Gospel across the Mediterranean.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several key themes that will recur throughout Paul's missionary journeys. First, **Strategic Evangelism** is evident in their choice to begin in the Jewish synagogues. This was a consistent pattern for Paul, as seen in subsequent cities like Pisidian Antioch ([Acts 13:14](/acts/13-14 "Acts 13:14 - Paul Preaches in Pisidian Antioch")), Iconium ([Acts 14:1](/acts/14-1 "Acts 14:1 - Paul and Barnabas in Iconium")), and Thessalonica ([Acts 17:1-2](/acts/17-1-2 "Acts 17:1-2 - Paul in Thessalonica")), reflecting the principle of "to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). Second, the **Centrality of God's Word** is highlighted by their mission to "preach the word of God." This underscores that the content of their message was not human philosophy but divine revelation, the authoritative and transformative truth of God. Third, the verse emphasizes **Teamwork and Support in Ministry** through the inclusion of John Mark. Early Christian missions were rarely solitary endeavors; they were collaborative, recognizing the need for diverse gifts and mutual support to accomplish the extensive work of spreading the Gospel. This partnership was crucial for the arduous and often challenging work ahead, demonstrating the communal nature of the early church's mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **preached (Greek, _katangéllō'_):** From G2605, this verb means "to proclaim, promulgate, declare, show, speak of, teach." It denotes a public, authoritative, and comprehensive declaration of a message. In this context, it signifies the apostles' primary activity: not merely conversing or debating, but formally announcing and expounding the divine message with conviction and authority. It implies a herald's role, making known something significant.
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, this term can mean "something said, a topic, reasoning, or the Divine Expression (i.e., Christ)." Here, "the word of God" refers to the divine message, the revealed truth from God, which encompasses the Old Testament scriptures and, crucially, the good news of Jesus Christ as their fulfillment. It is the authoritative, life-giving message originating from God Himself, not human invention.
* **minister (Greek, _hypērétēs'_):** From G5257, this word originally referred to an "under-oarsman" on a ship, implying a subordinate or assistant. By extension, it denotes an attendant, servant, or helper. For John Mark, it signifies his role as a valuable aide, providing practical support, assistance, and perhaps even training under the seasoned apostles, rather than being an equal in apostolic authority at this stage. It highlights the collaborative and hierarchical nature of their missionary team.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they were at Salamis":** This clause establishes the geographical setting and the immediate context of their arrival. Salamis, a significant port city on Cyprus, was their initial destination after sailing from Seleucia, marking the physical beginning of their missionary journey.
* **"they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews":** This is the core action and strategy. "They" refers to Paul and Barnabas. Their primary activity was to "preach" (proclaim) "the word of God" (the divine message, centered on Christ) "in the synagogues of the Jews." This highlights their intentional approach to evangelism, starting with those already familiar with the Old Testament, providing a common ground for introducing Jesus as the Messiah.
* **"and they had also John to their minister":** This clause identifies the third member of their team, John Mark, and specifies his role. He was not an equal apostle but served as their "minister" or assistant, indicating a supportive and subordinate role in the missionary endeavor. This underscores the collaborative nature of their work and the importance of various roles within the ministry team.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in this concise verse. There is a clear use of **Strategic Narrative**, as Luke immediately establishes the apostles' method of evangelism by highlighting their entry into the Jewish synagogues. This sets a pattern for Paul's subsequent journeys, demonstrating a deliberate and logical approach to reaching people. The verse also exhibits **Concise Reporting**, conveying a significant amount of information—the location, the primary activity, the message, and the team composition—in a very direct and economical manner. This efficiency allows the narrative to move swiftly while providing essential details. Furthermore, the inclusion of John Mark as "their minister" serves as **Character Introduction and Role Definition**, immediately clarifying his supportive function within the missionary group. This specific detail foreshadows later narrative developments concerning John Mark's departure and eventual reconciliation, making his initial role clear from the outset.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:5 powerfully illustrates the early church's commitment to the Great Commission and the strategic dissemination of the Gospel. The decision to preach "the word of God" in synagogues underscores the belief that God's revealed truth, culminating in Christ, is the essential message for humanity. This verse also highlights the foundational principle that ministry is a collaborative effort, with diverse roles contributing to a singular mission. The apostles' reliance on John Mark as a "minister" exemplifies the value of every member's contribution, whether in a leading or supportive capacity, for the effective proclamation of the Kingdom.

* [Romans 10:14-15](/romans/10-14-15 "Romans 10:14-15 - The Necessity of Preaching")
* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - The Sufficiency of Scripture")
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4-7 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts for Common Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:5 offers profound insights for contemporary believers regarding the nature and practice of Christian mission. It calls us to be intentional and strategic in our efforts to share the Gospel, discerning where open doors exist and how best to connect with different audiences. Just as Paul and Barnabas started with the "word of God," our witness must remain anchored in the authoritative and transformative truth of Scripture, presenting Jesus Christ as the central message. This verse also powerfully reminds us that ministry is a team sport; no one is called to serve in isolation. Whether we are leading, assisting, or supporting from behind the scenes, every role is vital and valued by God. We are encouraged to embrace collaboration, recognizing that diverse gifts and contributions are essential for the holistic advancement of God's kingdom, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual support in our shared mission to make Christ known.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the strategic approach of Paul and Barnabas in starting in the synagogues inform our own efforts to share the Gospel in diverse contexts today?**
* **In what ways can we ensure that "the word of God" remains central to our personal witness and the collective ministry of our church?**
* **What lessons can we draw from John Mark's role as a "minister" about the importance of teamwork and valuing every contribution within Christian service?**
* **How can we better identify and utilize the unique gifts and roles within our own communities to more effectively spread the good news?**

### FAQ

**Why did Paul and Barnabas always start their evangelism in the Jewish synagogues?**
Answer: Paul and Barnabas consistently began their ministry in Jewish synagogues for several strategic reasons. First, synagogues provided a ready and familiar audience already steeped in the Old Testament Scriptures. This offered a common theological ground for discussion, allowing the apostles to present Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy and the promised Messiah (e.g., [Acts 13:16-41](/acts/13-16-41 "Acts 13:16-41 - Paul's Sermon in Pisidian Antioch")). Second, it followed the divine pattern of "to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Gospel for All")). Third, synagogues served as community hubs, and by gaining a hearing there, they could potentially reach a wider network of people, including God-fearing Gentiles who often attended synagogue services. This approach allowed for an initial presentation of the Gospel within a familiar religious framework before expanding to broader Gentile audiences.

**What was John Mark's role as "minister" and why was it important?**
Answer: John Mark's role as "minister" (Greek: _hypērétēs_) signifies that he was an assistant or helper to Paul and Barnabas. This was a common and important role in ancient travel and ministry. While not an apostle in the same capacity as Paul or Barnabas, John Mark likely provided practical support, such as arranging logistics, assisting with travel, perhaps copying scriptures or letters, and learning from the seasoned missionaries. His presence underscores the collaborative nature of early Christian missions and the necessity of support staff for extensive evangelistic endeavors. Even though he later departed from them ([Acts 13:13](/acts/13-13 "Acts 13:13 - John Mark Departs")) and caused a dispute between Paul and Barnabas ([Acts 15:36-40](/acts/15-36-40 "Acts 15:36-40 - Paul and Barnabas Separate")), he was eventually reconciled with Paul and became a valuable co-worker ([Colossians 4:10](/colossians/4-10 "Colossians 4:10 - Mark, Barnabas's Cousin"), [2 Timothy 4:11](/2_timothy/4-11 "2 Timothy 4:11 - Mark, Useful for Ministry")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:5, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. The "word of God" that Paul and Barnabas preached in the synagogues was, at its core, the message of Jesus Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and Lordship. He is the ultimate "Word" (Greek: _Logos_) made flesh, through whom all things were created and by whom God's ultimate revelation is given ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Incarnate"), [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God's Final Word in His Son")). Their strategic entry into the synagogues foreshadows the universal reach of Christ's kingdom, beginning with the Jewish people but extending to all nations, as prophesied in the Old Testament and commanded by Christ Himself ([Luke 24:44-47](/luke/24-44-47 "Luke 24:44-47 - Fulfillment of Scripture in Christ")). Furthermore, John Mark's role as a "minister" or servant reflects the very nature of Christ, who "came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The entire missionary enterprise, from its divine commissioning to its strategic execution, is a direct outworking of Christ's redemptive work and His ongoing reign, extending His saving grace to the ends of the earth through His Spirit-empowered servants.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 13:14

¶ But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

Acts 13:46

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

Acts 12:12

And when he had considered [the thing], he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

Acts 17:17

Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

Acts 18:4

And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

Acts 9:20

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Acts 19:8

¶ And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.