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| Cyprus (continued) | |||
| In the case of the Cyprus journey, the men had opportunity to access a roadway from the east coast of Cyprus to the west. They apparently had two choices for the journey, one following the northern coast, and one to the south. A number of scholars have accumulated careful evidence for the roads between Salamis and Paphos using traveler itineraries found in Roman record, and following the archaeological discoveries of Roman milestones. The route favored by scholars was that which headed for Citium on the south coast, westward to Amathus, continuing to Curium and terminating in Paphos. The southern journey could have been made between Sabbaths, but may have extended a day or two longer. The route no doubt took them along the path of some significant pagan centers. | |||
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| Though the only cities on Cyprus mentioned in the narrative
of Acts are Salamis and Paphos, Paul and Barnabas no doubt traveled by way
of other cities en route. If they used the road along the south coast as
suggested, they would have passed through Citium, Amathus and Curium before
reaching Paphos. Amathus had been granted the status of asylum in 22 CE
because of their civic sanctuaries, as had the cities of Salamis (Olympian
Zeus) and Paphos (Paphian Aphrodite). Amathus boasted a sanctuary of Aphrodite.
Barnabas and John Mark returned to the island when Paul left with Silas
to Asia Minor to take the message of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:39)
but no firm knowledge of their itinerary was preserved. The mark of Barnabas
on the island is unmistakable in the various traditions and local churches. |
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