Acts 13:4

Sent forth. This begins Saul’s (Paul’s) First Missionary Journey. Barnabas and he went forth under the Holy Spirit’s direct command, evidently with specific instructions.

Support. There is no indication of salary or funds. Probably Paul worked at his trade during the week and preached in synagogues on Sabbaths (Acts 18:3, 4). Later he indicated he received little support (Phil. 4:15-18). The infant church had not yet considered tithes for ministry support; there was no professional clergy class.

Unto Seleucia. About 15 miles from Antioch near the Orontes River mouth, Seleucia was Antioch’s seaport, named for Seleucus Nicator (d. 280 B.C.), founder of the Seleucid Empire.

Sailed to Cyprus. If not specifically directed, they likely chose Cyprus first because it was Barnabas’s birthplace. Cyprus had a largely Greek population and was known for the worship of Aphrodite, with licentious temple priestesses at Paphos. Copper mines attracted many Jews. The gospel had probably been preached there by itinerant evangelists (Acts 11:19). Some Pentecost converts from Cyprus may have brought the message home.