Acts 13:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 13:5
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.
Chapter Context
Acts 13 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, salvation, grace. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-52: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 13:5
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.
Analysis
They preached the word of God in the synagogues (κατήγγελλον τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς, katēngellon ton logon tou theou en tais synagōgais)—Paul's missionary strategy consistently began with synagogues, fulfilling 'to the Jew first' (Romans 1:16). Salamis, Cyprus's eastern port, had a substantial Jewish population. The verb κατήγγελλον (katēngellon, 'proclaim publicly') emphasizes authoritative proclamation, not dialogue.
They had also John to their minister (εἶχον δὲ καὶ Ἰωάννην ὑπηρέτην, eichon de kai Iōannēn hypēretēn)—John Mark served as ὑπηρέτην (hypēretēn, 'attendant/assistant'), likely handling logistics, teaching arrangements, and possibly keeping records (the source for his Gospel?). His premature departure (v. 13) would cause Paul-Barnabas conflict (15:36-40).
Historical Context
Salamis was Cyprus's commercial capital with multiple synagogues indicating a large Jewish community. The missionary team followed trade routes, using synagogues as established platforms for proclamation. John Mark was cousin to Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), explaining Barnabas's later defense of him.
Reflection
- How does Paul's 'to the Jew first' strategy inform contemporary missions methodology and gospel presentation?
- What role do 'assistants' like John Mark play in ministry, and how should their failures be handled with grace?
Word Studies
- Word: λόγος (Logos) G3056 - Word, reason, message
Cross-References
- References God: Acts 9:20, 19:8
- Word: Acts 13:46
- References John: Acts 12:12
- Parallel theme: Acts 13:14, 14:1, 17:17, 18:4