CYPRUS

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, Ac 11:19. Barnabas and Mnason, and other eminent Christians, were natives of this island, Ac 11:20 21:16. The apostles Paul and Barnabas made a missionary tour through it, A. D. 44, Ac 13:4-13. See also Ac 15:39 27:4.

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Cyprus. Cyprus
One of the largest islands of the Mediterranean, about 148 miles long and 40 broad. It is distant about 60 miles from the Syrian coast. It was the “Chittim” of the Old Testament (Num. 24:24). The Greek colonists gave it the name of Kypros, from the cyprus, i.e., the henna (see CAMPHIRE), which grew on this island. It was originally inhabited by Phoenicians. In B.C. 477 it fell under the dominion of the Greeks; and became a Roman province B.C. 58. In ancient times it was a centre of great commercial activity. Corn and wine and oil were produced here in the greatest perfection. It was rich also in timber and in mineral wealth.

It is first mentioned in the New Testament (Acts 4:36) as the native place of Barnabas. It was the scene of Paul’s first missionary labours (13:4-13), when he and Barnabas and John Mark were sent forth by the church of Antioch. It was afterwards visited by Barnabas and Mark alone (15:39). Mnason, an “old disciple,” probaly one of the converts of the day of Pentecost belonging to this island, is mentioned (21:16). It is also mentioned in connection with the voyages of Paul (Acts 21:3; 27:4). After being under the Turks for three hundred years, it was given up to the British Government in 1878.

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Cyprus. fair; fairness

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CYPRUS. → An island Ac 21:3; 27:4 → Barnabas born in Ac 4:36 → Preaching the gospel at Ac 11:19,20 → Visited by Barnabas and Saul Ac 13:4-12 → Barnabas and Mark visit Ac 15:39 → Mnason, a disciple of Ac 21:16

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an island in the Mediterranean Ac 4:36; 11:19; 13:4; 15:39; 21:3; 27:4

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cyprus. Cyprus, n. a very thin stuff or silky gauze, a rush

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Cy″prus (s?″pr?s), n. [[OE. cipres, cypirs; perh. so named as being first manufactured in Cyprus. Cf. Cipers.]] A thin, transparent stuff, the same as, or corresponding to, crape. It was either white or black, the latter being most common, and used for mourning. Lawn as white as driven snow, Cyprus black as e'er was crow. Shak.