Acts 13:5 Meaning: Why Start in the Synagogue?
When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed God’s word in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their attendant.
And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
And when they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John as their attendant.
and having come unto Salamis, they declared the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and they had also John as a ministrant;
And being in Salamis, they announced the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John also as [their] attendant.
Meaning in one sentence
Acts 13:5 explains why Paul and Barnabas began their Gentile mission by preaching in Jewish synagogues. Find comfort in God's order and our roles.
Context
They had just been sent out by the Holy Spirit from the church in Antioch. Their mission was to bring the good news to the Gentiles. Yet their first stop after sailing to Cyprus was the Jewish synagogues in Salamis. Why? Because God’s plan always moved first toward the people who already knew the Scriptures. The synagogues were where Jews gathered each week to hear the Law and the Prophets. Here, Barnabas and Saul would announce that the promised Messiah had come. They also brought John Mark, Barnabas’s cousin, to assist them. This humble beginning in a familiar place marked the start of a journey that would change the world.
Key Words
The Greek verb behind “proclaimed” is katangello, a word that means to announce something thoroughly, with authority. Paul and Barnabas did not whisper or test the waters; they declared God’s message openly. The phrase “word of God” (logos tou theou) is the same term used elsewhere for the divine message of salvation. It is the story of Jesus, the very heart of Scripture. And then there is John, described as a “helper” or “attendant.” The Greek word is hupēretēs, which originally meant an under-rower on a ship. It came to describe someone who serves another, especially in ministry. John Mark was not the lead preacher, but his service made the mission possible. This shows that no role in God’s work is too small. Whether you teach or serve behind the scenes, you are part of the proclamation.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have noted the strategy in starting with the synagogues. John Calvin wrote that Paul and Barnabas were not so committed to the Gentiles that they neglected the Jews; they offered their labor to both. Matthew Henry observed that they used every opportunity God gave them. The early church pattern, seen also in Acts 9:20, was to preach Christ in the synagogues first. Some see this as fulfilling the biblical order of “to the Jew first” (Romans 1:16). Others point out the practical advantage: synagogues provided a ready audience familiar with the Old Testament. Both views honor the same truth: God’s message comes to those who are waiting, and then spreads to all.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers assume that because Paul and Barnabas were specifically set apart for the Gentiles (Acts 13:2), starting in Jewish synagogues was a detour or even a failure. In fact, the New Testament consistently shows the gospel going “to the Jew first” (Romans 1:16). Jesus himself said salvation is from the Jews (John 4:22). Paul often began his ministry in a new city at the synagogue. This was not a detour but the first step in God’s plan, a way to reach the world through the people who already knew God.
Living This Out
Maybe you think your role in God’s work is too small to matter. John Mark was just a helper, but his name appears in the same verse as Paul and Barnabas. This week, look for a “synagogue” in your own life, a place where people already gather to hear God. Start there. You might not be the main speaker, but you can help. Make a meal. Drive someone to church. Offer to pray. Your service is part of the proclamation.
Main takeaway: God’s messengers first proclaim His word to those who already know Him, and every helper is part of the work.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Paul and Barnabas went to a city called Salamis. They told people about Jesus in the synagogues, which are like churches. John Mark helped them.
For ages 9, 12
Paul and Barnabas were sent to tell the Gentiles about Jesus. But they started by preaching in the Jewish synagogues. Why? Because God wanted the good news to go first to the Jewish people, just as He promised. John Mark came along to help them. Even though he was not the main preacher, his help was very important. You can help too, even in small ways.
Questions People Ask
Why did Paul and Barnabas start in the synagogues since they were sent to Gentiles?
They followed the pattern of “to the Jew first” (Romans 1:16). The synagogues were where people already knew the Scriptures and were waiting for the Messiah. It was a natural starting point for the gospel to then spread to the Gentiles.
Who is John mentioned in this verse?
This is John Mark, also known as Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. He later wrote the Gospel of Mark. Here he served as an attendant or helper to Paul and Barnabas.
What does it mean that John was their “attendant”?
The Greek word is hupēretēs, which means an under-rower or servant. He assisted with practical needs, possibly baptizing new believers or arranging travel. It was a role of humble service, not lowly but essential.
Why did they go to Cyprus first?
Cyprus was Barnabas’s homeland (Acts 4:36). It was also a logical stop from Seleucia, the port of Antioch. The island had a large Jewish population, providing many synagogues to preach in.
Is there any significance to the plural “synagogues”?
Yes, it indicates a large Jewish community in Salamis. Josephus records that Augustus gave Herod the Great half the revenue of Cyprus’s copper mines, leading many Jews to settle there. This made it a fertile ground for the gospel.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study