|
|
|
|
|
Cyprus....
|
|
Cyprus, from the Greek word pronounced kupros, meaning copper, is a
prominent land mass in the northeastern Mediterranean Sea, off the shores
of Cilicia (southern Turkey) and Syria on the continent. Measuring about
150 miles / 240 kilometers long and 40 miles / 65 kilometers wide, it is
one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean. The history of
Cyprus
reaches deep into ancient times. Although the pagans regarded it as the
birthplace of their non-existent false god Zeus, Cyprus was the scene of
numerous events in Bible History, where some Bible translations refer to
it by the name Isles of Chittim or Kittim (e.g. Ezekiel 27:6 KJV)
|
 |
|
As its name indicates, Cyprus has extensive copper
deposits which attracted many conquerors to the island over the past 3,000
years. In their turn, Egyptians,
Assyrians, Phoenicians,
Hittites, Greeks,
Romans, and in more modern
times, Turks and
British all controlled the island to some
degree. It was also taken during the third Crusade,
crusaders time. |
|
|
|
During Old Testament times, many Jews had already settled
on the island, and many of their descendants were converted by
Paul and
those associated with him during his travels (see Paul's First Missionary
Journey and Paul's Second Missionary Journey and Paul's Third Missionary
Journey). |
|
|
|
|
Paul's group travelled from Salamis to Paphos on the
island, and while at Paphos, Sergius Paulus, the Roman
governor of Cyprus
became a believer in Jesus Christ (Acts 13:7,12), despite the efforts of Elymas the sorcerer to prevent his conversion. For his wickedness, Elymas
was temporarily deprived of his sight by Paul (Acts 13:7-11). Barnabas and
Mark were later active there after they separated from
Paul (Acts
15:36-39). The Jews and converted Christians were expelled from the island
during the reign of emperor Hadrian (reigned 117-138 AD). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
