Paphos
LocationsGeographical Setting
Paphos is a coastal city in western Cyprus, historically divided into Old Paphos (Kouklia) and New Paphos, serving as a major administrative and religious hub in antiquity.
What is the meaning of Paphos in the Bible?
Paphos denotes two distinct settlements in Cyprus: Old Paphos, located inland at Kouklia and renowned for its sanctuary of Aphrodite, and New Paphos, situated on the coast which served as the Roman provincial capital. The region was settled during the Bronze Age and maintained continuous habitation through the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Paphos clarifies the geographical context of Paul's first missionary journey, where he encountered the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus, demonstrating the spread of early Christianity to Roman administrative centers and the interaction between apostolic preaching and local governance.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.