American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A large island in the Mediterranean, situated in the northeast part of that sea between Cilicia and Syria. It is about one hundred and forty miles long, and varies from five to fifty miles in breadth. Its inhabitants were plunged in all manner of luxury and debauchery. Their principal deity was Venus, who had a celebrated temple at Paphos. The island was extremely fertile, and abounded in wine, oil, honey, wool, copper, agate, and a beautiful species of rock crystal. There were also large forests of cypress-trees. Of the cities in the island, Paphos on the western coast, and Salmis at the opposite end, are mentioned in the New Testament. The gospel was preached there at an early day, Acts 11:19 . Barnabas and Mnason, and other eminent Christians, were natives of this island, Acts 11:20 21:16 . The apostles Paul and Barnabas made a missionary tour through it, A. D. 44, Acts 13:4-13 . See also Acts 15:39 27:4 .