Πάφος

Paphos

Definition

Paphos was a significant city on the island of Cyprus, located at its western end. In the New Testament, it is specifically known as the seat of the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:7). The city is mentioned in two contexts: first, as the location where the apostles Paul and Barnabas encountered the Jewish false prophet Bar-Jesus (Acts 13:6), and second, as the point of departure for Paul's company when they sailed to Perga in Pamphylia (Acts 13:13). Biblically, it represents a major administrative and cultural center in the Roman province, marking a key site in Paul's first missionary journey.

Biblical Usage

The word Πάφος is used exclusively in the book of Acts, both occurrences being in chapter 13. It functions strictly as a proper noun identifying the specific city. The first usage (Acts 13:6) sets the scene for the confrontation with the magician Elymas, while the second (Acts 13:13) notes the city as the departure point for the next leg of the missionary journey. There is no symbolic or varied usage; it consistently refers to the geographical location.

Etymology

The name Πάφος (Paphos) is of pre-Greek, likely indigenous Cypriot origin. It was the name of both the city and, in Greek mythology, the son of Pygmalion. The city was famously associated with the cult of Aphrodite (Venus), who was said to have risen from the sea near there. The New Testament uses the established Greek place-name without alteration.

Semantic Range

While Paphos itself is a geographical location, its inclusion in Acts 13 is theologically significant. It is the setting for Paul's first recorded confrontation with occult power (Bar-Jesus/Elymas) and the conversion of a Roman proconsul, Sergius Paulus. This event demonstrates the power of the gospel over pagan magic and its appeal to high-ranking Gentile officials, marking a pivotal moment in the mission to the Gentiles. Understanding its status as a center of Roman authority and pagan worship enriches the narrative of spiritual conflict and triumph.

In the 1st century, Paphos was the administrative capital of the Roman province of Cyprus. It was culturally divided into 'Old Paphos' (Palaepaphos), the ancient cult center of Aphrodite, and 'New Paphos' (Nea Paphos), the Roman administrative capital where the proconsul resided (Acts 13:7). The city was thus a fusion of deep pagan religious tradition and Roman imperial governance, making the events of Acts 13 a direct engagement with both political and spiritual strongholds of the ancient world.

There are no direct synonyms for this proper noun. Other New Testament cities in Cyprus include: Σαλαμίς (Salamis, G4529) — a major port city on the eastern end of Cyprus where Paul and Barnabas began preaching (Acts 13:5).

Word Details

Scripture References