Acts 13:5

“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.”

Context:Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament and serves as a historical account of the early Christian Church, particularly focusing on the ministry of the apostles. Acts 13:5 is part of a larger narrative describing the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas.

Setting:At this point in the narrative, Paul, Barnabas, and their companion John Mark have arrived at Salamis, a city on the island of Cyprus. They begin their missionary work by preaching the word of God in the synagogues.

Preaching the Word of God:The verse highlights the primary purpose of Paul and Barnabas’ visit to Salamis: to proclaim the message of God. It emphasises their commitment to sharing the Gospel and teaching about Jesus Christ, primarily among the Jews who attended the synagogues.

Synagogues:Synagogues were Jewish places of worship and study. The fact that Paul and Barnabas preached in the synagogues indicates their approach of reaching out to the Jewish community first, as was their custom during their missionary journeys.

John as Their Minister:The verse mentions John as being a minister to Paul and Barnabas during their missionary work. John, also known as John Mark, was a companion who travelled with them. The term “minister” here suggests that John Mark served in a supportive role, assisting Paul and Barnabas in their mission.

This verse demonstrates the early apostles’ commitment to spreading the word of God, starting with the Jewish community. It also highlights the importance of having faithful companions and supporters in ministry.