Commentary on Acts 13:5
Acts 13:5 states: "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."
Contextual Background
The passage occurs during the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, after they were commissioned by the Holy Spirit from Antioch. This journey represented a pivotal moment in the early Church's expansion beyond Jewish territories into the Gentile world. The setting of Salamis, a significant city on the island of Cyprus, is highlighted as a starting point for this mission.
Preaching in the Synagogues
Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of the synagogues as the initial venues for the apostles' preaching. Both he and Albert Barnes note that the Apostles primarily focused on reaching the Jewish population first, embodying the principle laid out earlier in Jesus' commission to preach to the Jews.
- Matthew Henry: He perceives their ministry as a significant commitment to the Jewish communities, indicating the respect for the Law and the Prophets.
- Albert Barnes: He emphasizes the strategic approach of addressing Jewish audiences, as it was there that they would have a foundation for understanding the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies in Jesus Christ.
Role of John Mark
Another key aspect of this passage is the mention of John Mark, described as the minister to Paul and Barnabas. Adam Clarke provides insights into the role of John Mark during this journey, interpreting it as critical yet fraught with challenges.
- Adam Clarke: He notes that John Mark's presence signifies the importance of companionship in ministry, yet foreshadows the later contention regarding his capacity and reliability, which arose later in Acts 15:39.
- Albert Barnes asserts that John Mark's role as an assistant exemplifies the model of teamwork in the early Church, highlighting mentorship and support dynamics essential for effective ministry.
The Word of God
The phrase "they preached the word of God" captures the essence of their mission. Matthew Henry illuminates that the early Church's proclamation was not merely a message of morality but was rooted in the divine authority of the Scriptures.
- Albert Barnes: He highlights the transformative power of Scripture in the lives of those who hear it, linking their preaching directly to the transformative impact of accepting Christ as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy.
- Adam Clarke: He also points out that the phrase reflects the necessity and urgency of evangelism, reiterating that the early Church's mission was to spread the gospel as the means of salvation for all mankind.
Theological and Practical Implications
This verse opens the door to several theological reflections and practical applications:
- Mission-centric Focus: The early Church exemplifies a relentless pursuit of evangelism that transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries.
- Preparation and Instruction: John Mark's involvement illustrates the need for preparation and mentorship in ministry, which applies to modern congregational life.
- Authority of Scripture: The emphasis on preaching the word of God reminds contemporary believers of the necessity to ground their messages in scriptural truth, ensuring they convey the gospel's transformative power effectively.
Conclusion
In Acts 13:5, we find a detailed glimpse into the early Church's commitment to evangelism, the importance of fellowship in ministry, and the authoritative nature of the divine message. The collective insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke provide a robust framework for understanding this pivotal moment in the Church's history and offer lasting lessons for today’s ministry work.
