Cyprus

Cyprus, also referred to as Kittim and Elishah, was an island in the Mediterranean Sea that played a significant role in the spread of early Christianity.

Cyprus is an island located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, known in the Bible by various names, including Kittim and Elishah. In the Old Testament, the island is mentioned in the context of trade and prophecy. Isaiah 23:1, 12 and Jeremiah 2:10 refer to the ships of Kittim, indicating the island's involvement in maritime trade. Ezk.27.6 mentions the use of ivory from the coasts of Elishah (possibly Cyprus) in the construction of ships.

In Numbers 24:24 and Dan.11.30, Kittim is associated with ships that come against the people of God, possibly referring to the island's role in military campaigns or as a base for hostile forces.

In the New Testament, Cyprus plays a significant role in the spread of early Christianity. The apostle Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus (Act.4.36), and some unnamed believers from the island were among the first to preach the gospel to the Gentiles in Antioch (Act.11.19-20). Barnabas and Saul (Paul) visited Cyprus during their first missionary journey (Act.13.4), where they encountered the sorcerer Elymas and converted the proconsul Sergius Paulus (Act.13.6-12).

Later, Barnabas and Mark sailed to Cyprus after a disagreement with Paul (Act.15.39). Paul also visited the island during his third missionary journey (Act.21.3) and during his journey to Rome as a prisoner (Act.27.4).

The early Christian community in Cyprus included Mnason, an early disciple who provided lodging for Paul and his companions in Jerusalem (Act.21.16).

One of the largest islands of the Mediterranean, about 148 miles long and 40 broad. It is distant about 60 miles from the Syrian coast. It was the “Chittim” of the Old Testament (Num. 24:24). The Greek colonists gave it the name of Kypros, from the cyprus, i.e., the henna, which grew on this island. It was originally inhabited by Phoenicians. In B.C. 477 it fell under the dominion of the Greeks; and became a Roman province B.C. 58. In ancient times it was a centre of great commercial activity. Corn and wine and oil were produced here in the greatest perfection. It was rich also in timber and in mineral wealth.

It is first mentioned in the New Testament (Acts 4:36) as the native place of Barnabas. It was the scene of Paul’s first missionary labours (13:4-13), when he and Barnabas and John Mark were sent forth by the church of Antioch. It was afterwards visited by Barnabas and Mark alone (15:39). Mnason, an “old disciple,” probaly one of the converts of the day of Pentecost belonging to this island, is mentioned (21:16). It is also mentioned in connection with the voyages of Paul (Acts 21:3; 27:4). After being under the Turks for three hundred years, it was given up to the British Government in 1878.