Nea Paphos, Cyprus

Dec 6

“When they (Paul and Barnabus)had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God" Acts 13:6-7

This section of Acts goes on to tell how Paul called out the false prophet and magician for his deceit, temporarily blinding him. The Holy Spirit used this to convict the Proconsul Sergius Paulus of the truth of the gospel message of salvation through the risen Savior Jesus.

Visiting Nea Paphos on the island of Cyprus today, you see remains of ultra wealthy roman villas and gorgeous well preserved mosaic tile floors from the 2nd - 5th c AD. Underneath these incredible mosaic floors are the mosaic floors of the earlier Hellenistic era. One of these villas, the "House of Theseus", was the home and governing palace of the Roman proconsul on Cyprus for centuries. The audience hall of this palatial "home" is likely the place where Paul and Barnabus met with Sergius Paulus.

Other excavations of wealthy roman villas in Paphos show evidence of early Christian growth. This includes a home that had an inscription on a mosaic floor "the Lord is on my side and I will not be afraid; what can mortals do to me". Psalm 116:8

Looking out at the Paphos harbor, you can still see the ancient mole or breakwater. It is still a beautiful and protected harbor today.

Paphos harbor with the ancient rock mole or breakwater still visible.

Entrance to the Nea Paphos Archeological Park

Audience hall in the massive residence of the Roman Proconsul of Cyprus. This was the Proconsul residence for centuries

Another huge room in the House of Theseus. This villa is the most likely place for Paul and Barnabus's meeting with Sergius Paulus

The proconsul's residence even had its own baths. you see the hypocaust (tile stacks) under the floor of the bath, keeping the pool warm

Baths in the House of Theseus

More rooms in the residence

View of the sea from Nea Paphos

This mosaic floor excavation is how the House of Theseus got its name. It depicts Theseus battling the minotaur. 3rd century. Underneath are mosaic floors from earlier roman eras and hellestic times.