An island off the south coast of Asia Minor; Paul and Barnabas ministered here during Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 13:4–12).
About Cyprus
An island country located in the northeastern Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus is 80.5 kilometers (50 miles) south of Turkey (Asia Minor), 112.6 kilometers (70 miles) west of Syria, and 394.2 kilometers (245 miles) north of Egypt. The island is about 177 kilometers (110 miles) long and 80.5 kilometers (50 miles) wide. The fertile Mesaoria Plain divides two mountain ranges, the Kyrenia and Troodas Massif ranges. A narrow strip of land 64.3 kilometers (40 miles) long and 8 kilometers (5 miles) wide extends from the northeastern part of the island.
Cyprus has many natural harbors. In ancient times, these harbors were a strategic connection point for sea routes from Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine, and Egypt. The Cypriot copper mines are now mostly depleted, but they historically provided major industry for the island.
Key References
Of oaks from Bashan they made your oars; of wood from the coasts of Cyprus they made your deck, inlaid with ivory.
Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews.
All Scripture References (15)
Numbers (1)
Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.”
Isaiah (2)
This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus.
He said, “You shall rejoice no more, O oppressed Virgin Daughter of Sidon. Get up and cross over to Cyprus—even there you will find no rest.”
Jeremiah (1)
Cross over to the coasts of Cyprus and take a look; send to Kedar and consider carefully; see if there has ever been anything like this:
Ezekiel (2)
Of oaks from Bashan they made your oars; of wood from the coasts of Cyprus they made your deck, inlaid with ivory.
Of embroidered fine linen from Egypt they made your sail, which served as your banner. Of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah they made your awning.
Daniel (1)
Ships of Kittim will come against him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and rage against the holy covenant and do damage. So he will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant.
Acts (8)
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement),
Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews.
But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus.
So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.
Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,
After sighting Cyprus and passing south of it, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo.
Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to stay at the home of Mnason the Cypriot, an early disciple.
After putting out from there, we sailed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us.