Overview
Paphos served as the capital of Cyprus during the New Testament era. Paul and Barnabas traveled there during their first missionary journey, where they encountered both spiritual opposition and receptive leadership. The account reveals how the early church boldly proclaimed Christ even in the face of demonic resistance.
Key Scriptures
"When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus" (Acts 13:6, ESV).
"Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, 'You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?'" (Acts 13:9-10, ESV).
"Now when the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord" (Acts 13:12, ESV).
Application
Trust that God's Word has power to overcome spiritual opposition and reach even those in positions of authority with the transforming message of the gospel.