Acts 13:1-12

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Acts 13:1-12 a Grace Notes course The Acts of the Apostles an expositional study by Warren Doud Lesson 214: Acts 13:1-12 Grace Notes 1705 Aggie Lane, Austin, Texas 78757 Email: [email protected] ACTS, Lesson 214, Acts 13:1-12 Contents Acts 13:1-12 ................................................................................................................. 3 Acts 13:1 .......................................................................................................................... 3 Acts 13:2 .......................................................................................................................... 4 Acts 13:3 .......................................................................................................................... 5 Acts 13:4 .......................................................................................................................... 6 Acts 13:5 .......................................................................................................................... 7 Acts 13:6 .......................................................................................................................... 8 Acts 13:7 .......................................................................................................................... 9 Acts 13:8 .........................................................................................................................10 Acts 13:9 .........................................................................................................................10 Acts 13:0 .........................................................................................................................11 Acts 13:11 .......................................................................................................................11 Acts 13:12 .......................................................................................................................12 Sergius Paulus ............................................................................................................ 14 The Acts of the Apostles Page 3 ACTS 214, Acts 13:1-12 a Grace Notes study Baker: “From the Greek we are unable to discern Acts 13:1-12 whether the words prophets and teachers signify Acts 13:1 two separate offices, or if a person can be both prophet and teacher. Paul, for example, speaks of 13:1 Now there were in the church at “pastors and teachers” (Eph. 4:11); in his view, a Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as person fills one office that has a dual function. Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Further, in the same passage, he places the Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, prophets in a separate category, which is listed which had been brought up with Herod the after than of apostleship…Luke described both tetrarch, and Saul. Barnabas and Paul as teachers in the Antioch This chapter starts the second part of the Acts of church (Acts 11:26), but here he [leaves the the Apostles; and chapters 13 and 14 provide the distinctions] unresolved.” 2 history of the Apostles’ first missionary journey. Barnabas Up to now, Luke has given an account of Christianity in general, with many different Barnabas is well known to us by now. You can personalities (evangelists, teachers, converts) refresh your memory about this stalwart of the being discussed. From now on the narrative is faith by reference to: devoted almost exclusively to the missionary Topic: Barnabas efforts of the apostle Paul. The church is seen here in a new and important Simeon Niger aspect as an active, dynamic missionary church. The consensus of Bible scholars seems to be that Previously, the Gospel had been given out, it the name “Niger” was given to this man because seems, by informal, unorganized efforts, and of his complexion or origin in North Africa, through casual occurrences. The persecution at although it seems that “Niger” was a common Jerusalem, and in Judea, had caused a considerable enough surname in the Roman world. The Greek dispersion of Christians, along with the diffusion word does mean “black”, so Simeon might have of their opinions. But now the church at Antioch is been one of the evangelists who came to Antioch the center of operations, taking the lead, planning from Cyrenia (Acts 11:20) and executing organized efforts to extend the 1 Lucius of Cyrene gospel to the rest of the world. Lucius was definitely from Cyrenia, although this certain prophets and teachers is all we know about him. All the prophets were teachers, but not all teachers Manaen, which had been brought up with were necessarily prophets who made predictions Herod the tetrarch about the future. We can’t tell from this verse just which of these five named men which were The phrase “had been brought up with” comes prophets or teachers. from the Greek suntrovfo~, meaning “raised in the same family; brought up with”. We know that prophets came to Antioch from Jerusalem (Acts 11:27), after Barnabas and Saul Herod the tetrarch was the son of Herod the Great had been teaching there for a while; and by this who ruled the provinces of Galilee and Perea; he time there were many evangelists, teachers, also was responsible for the beheading of John the prophets, and apostles, who were associated with Baptist. At the time the missionaries were being the extended Antioch church. set out from Antioch, Herod was in exile in Lyons. 1 2 Gloag, Acts 13:1 Baker, Acts 13:1 The Acts of the Apostles Page 4 ACTS 214, Acts 13:1-12 a Grace Notes study The historical record is speculative as to the The word was commonly used in the Septuagint relationship of Manaen with this Herod. Some for the service performed by the priests who think that Manaen’s mother was Herod’s nurse, served in the Tabernacle. when he was a baby, and that the two boys grew Here, Luke uses the word for the first time in up together, at least in their young childhood. reference to the Christian practice of worship, with Since this Greek word is also used for “foster emphasis on ministering “to the Lord”. brother”, this is plausible. The Jews had special days set apart for fasting and Josephus mentions a Manaen, belonging to the prayer, but we are now familiar with the Essene sect, who, when Herod the Great was a Christian’s practice of getting together daily for child, predicted that he would be King of the Jews, exhortation, fellowship, and prayer, beginning in and that Herod, when he became king, favored the the days immediately following the day of Essenes on this account. Therefore, it has been Pentecost. conjectured that this Manaen must have been a considerable person in Herod’s court, and that his Acts 2:46,47, And they, continuing daily with son, the younger Manaen, would have been one accord in the temple, and breaking bread 3 from house to house, did eat their meat with brought up with Herod. gladness and singleness of heart, Saul Praising God, and having favor with all the …shortly to begin his mission to the Gentiles and people. And the Lord added to the church to receive the name Paul. daily such as should be saved. The Christian community at Antioch was engaged Acts 13:2 in one united act of prayer, meditation, fasting, 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and and exhortation, probably accompanied by fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me celebrating the Lord’s Supper. Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto and fasted I have called them. The Jews fasted regularly, usually on two days per As they ministered to the Lord week, and the Christians may have found this The word for ministered here is leitourgevw, quite appropriate to accompany their own worship. from which we get the English word “liturgy”. When Paul and Barnabas chose the elders for the This word had a number of meanings in a variety local churches, we see that they fasted also. of circumstances: 4 Acts 14:23, And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed • A civil service, especially in the technical with fasting, they commended them to the language of Athenian law. Lord, on whom they believed. • A function of any kind, even as of bodily Fasting was not mandatory for Christians, but it organs. was part of their habit at this time. • Priestly ministrations, both among Jews and among the heathen. the Holy Spirit said • The Eucharistic services “How this revelation was made, whether by the mouth of some of the prophets who were present • Set forms of divine worship or by the impulse of a simultaneous and general inspiration, whether the route to be taken by Barnabas and Saul was at this time precisely 3 indicated, and whether they had previously Josephus, Antiquities, 15.10 received a conscious personal call, of which this 4 Vincent, Acts 13:2 was the public ratification, it is useless to inquire. The Acts of the Apostles Page 5 ACTS 214, Acts 13:1-12 a Grace Notes study A definite work was pointed out as now about to Acts 14:21-24 be begun under the counsel of God, two definite And when they had preached the gospel to that agents in this work were publicly singled out, and city, and had taught many, they returned again we soon see them sent forth to their arduous to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, undertaking, with the sanction of the church at Confirming the souls of the disciples, and Antioch.” 5 exhorting them to continue in the faith, and The most likely means the Holy Spirit used was to that we must through much tribulation enter communicate this revelation through one of those into the kingdom of God. with the prophetic gift, such as Agabus, who was
Recommended publications
  • St Mary's Evensong 1 Kings 10.1-13 Theme: Being Hospitable to The
    1 A Proper 13pm 6th August 17 Place: St Mary’s evensong 1 Kings 10.1-13 Theme: Being hospitable to the Other Acts 13.1- 13 ¨ One of the ways of thinking about God that I find most fruitful is to think of God as the absolute or ultimate Other. We often talk in church about our being made in the image of God and God being with us in the world through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. While this is certainly true we should not lose sight of the Otherness of God. God is not another part of creation, God is the creator who was before the beginning and will be when all is ended. God’s otherness is powerfully expresses in the Book of Isaiah: Ch 55 ¨ 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. ¨ Encountering God is an encounter with the Other. Prayer and worship are attempts to engage with the Other, not to know about the other but to know through relationship. Part of the journey of faith is to learn to love and form relationship with the other, both God and our neighbour. One way of thinking about the work of salvation is that Christ comes to enable us to 2 connect with the other, to enable us to love God and one another. ¨ Both of our readings this evening relate accounts of encounters between different cultures and what happens when people of faith meet those different from themselves.
    [Show full text]
  • Acts 13:1–13)
    Acts 13-28b 8/19/96 2:04 PM Page 1 The Character of an Effective Church 1 (Acts 13:1–13) Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. And while they were min- istering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus. And when they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they also had John as their helper. And when they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelli- gence. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for thus his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the pro- consul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze upon him, and said, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the 1 Acts 13-28b 8/19/96 2:04 PM Page 2 13:1–13 ACTS devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time.” And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand.
    [Show full text]
  • A History of the Reformation. by Principal T
    T. and T. Clark's Publications. THE LA TEST HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION. 'Of Dr. Lindsay's "History of the Reformation" Dr. DENNEY predicts that it will become a classic on the subject. Few safer pre­ dictions have been hazarded.'-British Weekly. In Two Volumes, post 8vo, price 10s. 6d. each. A History of the Reformation. BY Principal T. M. LINDSAY, D.D., LL.D. VoL. I.-THE REFORMATION IN GERMANY, FROM ITS BEGINNING TO THE RELIGIOUS PEACE OF AUGSBURG. 'The best English History of the Reformation in Germany. A decidedly successful book.'-Professor POLLARD, in the Tribune. 'There can be 'no doubt this will be the classical work in English on the Reformation .... It is a noble crown of a life's study of the most stupendous spiritual movement since the death of St. Paul. Dr. Lindsay writes with an ease and charm that fascinates the reader arid carries him on from page to page until the end, leaving us full of impatience for the second volume.'-Christiaii World. VoL. II. -THE REFORMATION IN LANDS BEYOND GERMANY (Switzerland, France, The Netherlands, Scotland, and England; the Anabaptist and Socinian Movements; The Counter-Reformation). With MAP of the Reformation and Counter­ Reformation (1520-1580). EDINBURGH: T. & T. CLARK, 38 GEORGE STREET. 1banbbooks for :fSible <tlasses an~ ~rt"ate Stubents EDITED BY PRINCIPAL MARCUS DODS, D.D. AND REV. ALEXANDER WHYTE, D.D. THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES CHAPTERS XIII-XXVIII BY THOMAS M. LINDSAY, D,D. THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. · WITH INTRODUCTION, MAPS, AND NOTES. BY THOMAS M. LINDSAY, D.D., PRINCIPAL, AND PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY AND CHURCH HISTORY1 UNITED FREE CHURCH COLLEGE, GLASGOW.
    [Show full text]
  • Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 – 14 Overview: Paul and Barnabas
    Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 – 14 Overview: Paul and Barnabas begin their first missionary journey (13:4-12). Paul arrives at Antioch in Pisidia (13:13-15) and addresses the synagogue (13:16-43) and the Gentiles (13:44-52). Paul and Barnabas go to Iconium (14:1-7) and then to Lystra (14:8-20) and return to home (14:21-28). First Missionary Journey: 13:1 – 12 • Prophets/teachers: Two ecclesial ministries often listed by Paul (Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:28) • Worshipping/fasting: Provide an opening to listening to the Holy Spirit and receive direction • Lay hands: Expresses the community’s setting apart for God’s mission (Kurz, 203). Correct Order Incorrect Order Worship/fasting – flows into mission Plan mission – ask God to bless our plans • Seleucia: Named after the Hellenistic dynasty that ruled northern part of Greek empire • John (Mark): Holy Spirit called Saul and Barnabas, but they also brought John Mark • Note: Mark will abandon mission and go to Jerusalem; Barnabas is from Cyprus (Acts 4:36) • Bar-Jesus: “Son of Jesus”; he was a Jew, magician, and false prophet (Kurz, 206) • Sergius Paulus: Gentile who desires to hear God’s word; from Pisidia Antioch in Asia Minor • Opposed them: Those who reject the gospel throw up roadblocks to its expansion • Key: Just as Satan opposed Jesus from the beginning, so Elymas opposed Paul at beginning • Paul: Luke switches from Saul (Jewish name) to Paul (Roman name) for the first time • Twisting: Son of the devil twists the straight paths of the Lord (Is.
    [Show full text]
  • Bible Study Guide on the Acts of the Apostles
    Investigating the Word of God Acts Artist’s Depiction of the Apostle Paul Preaching at the Areopagus in Athens Gene Taylor © Gene Taylor, 2007. All Rights Reserved All lessons are based on the New King James Version, © Thomas Nelson, Inc. An Introduction to Acts The Author There are no serious doubts as to the authorship of the book of Acts of the Apostles. Luke is assigned as its author. As early as the last part of the 2nd century, Irenaeus cites passages so frequently from the Acts of the Apostles that it is certain that he had constant access to the book. He gives emphasis to the internal evidence of its authorship. Tertullian also ascribes the book to Luke, as does Clement of Alexandria. That Luke is the author of the book of Acts is evident from the following. ! The Preface of the Book. The writer addresses Theophilus (Luke 1:3), who is the same individual to whom the gospel of Luke was also directed, and makes reference to a “former treatise” which dealt with “all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was received up” (1:1-2). This is very evidently a reference to the third gospel. ! The book of Acts and the gospel of Luke are identical in style, as a number of scholars have pointed out and demonstrated. ! The book of Acts comes as an historical sequel to the gospel of Luke, taking up with the very events, and at the point where the gospel of Luke concludes, namely the resurrection, the appearances following the resurrection, and the commissioning of the Apostles to the task for which they had been selected and trained by the Lord, and the ascension of Jesus.
    [Show full text]
  • Terrigal Christian Israelite Church 15Th August 2021
    Terrigal Christian Israelite Church Welcome to Church! 15th August 2021 FAITH I'm reaching for the prize, I'm giving everything I give my life for this; it's what I live for Nothing can keep me from all that You have for me You hold my head up high; I live for You Greater is He that's living in me Than he that is in the world Faith, I can move the mountain I can do all things through Christ, I know Faith, standing and believing I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me ANCIENT OF DAYS Blessing and honour, glory and power Be unto the Ancient of Days From every nation, all of creation Bow before the Ancient of Days Every tongue in heaven and earth Shall declare Your glory Every knee shall bow at Your throne in worship You will be exalted, o God, And Your kingdom shall not pass away O Ancient of Days Your kingdom shall reign over all the earth Sing unto the Ancient of Days For none can compare to Your matchless worth Sing unto the Ancient of Days WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME You were the Word at the beginning You didn't want heaven without us One with God the Lord Most High So Jesus, You brought heaven down Your hidden glory in creation My sin was great, Your love was greater Now revealed in You our Christ What could separate us now What a beautiful Name it is What a wonderful Name it is What a beautiful Name it is What a wonderful Name it is The Name of Jesus Christ my King The Name of Jesus Christ my King What a beautiful Name it is What a wonderful Name it is Nothing compares to this Nothing compares to this What a beautiful Name
    [Show full text]
  • Paul and the Spread of the Church New Testament Survey – Lesson 17 (Part 2)
    Acts of the Apostles – Paul and the Spread of the Church New Testament Survey – Lesson 17 (Part 2) In ninth grade, we took an aptitude test measuring our skills and interests for possible careers. I think the goal was to help guide us in our decisions over what courses to take as high school unfolded before us. I had never really given much thought to a career, but taking this assessment certainly focused my mind on the options! By the time the test results came in, I was really intrigued. I wanted to know what I was built to do! The results gave me three main career aptitudes. I don’t remember the order, but I never forgot the three that rose to the top. My aptitude test indicated I would do best as a preacher, a lawyer, or a politician. I was thrilled. All three of these sounded like marvelous careers! I signed up for debate and Latin as my next electives, figuring both would serve me well in any of the three fields. I also had our church intern, who was taking New Testament Greek at the time at Lubbock Christian University, start tutoring me in New Testament Greek. I kept up the Latin and debate throughout High School and then went to college to study for the ministry or law school. (I never was sure how you studied to be a politician!) My college degree was a B.A. in “Biblical Languages,” but it came through the Bible Department and was appropriate in my church background to place me in a pulpit preaching.
    [Show full text]
  • The Church Age
    Men and Women of the Bible Lives - Times - Events - Principles FOURTH QUARTER THE CHURCH AGE Edited by: Craig Roberts and Karl Hennecke 1993 Fourth Quarter: The Church Age Page 1. Matthias, Barsabas, Those Converted On Pentecost 3 2. Barnabas, The Sanhedrin, Gamaliel 6 3. The Lame Man, Ananias and Sapphira 9 4. The Seven, Stephen, Philip 12 5. Paul - 1: Early Life And Conversion 15 6. Paul - 2: Journeys - 1 19 7. Paul - 3: Journeys - 2 22 8. Paul - 4: Imprisonment And Death 26 9. John M ark, Silas, Luke, James The Apostle 30 10. Simon the Sorceror, Ethiopian Nobleman, Dorcas. Aeneas 34 11. Cornelius And His Household 37 12. Herod, Elymas, Sergius Paulus 41 13. Timothy 43 14. Lydia, Philippian Jailer, Pricilla And Aquila, Apollos 46 15. The Bereans, The Thessalonians 49 16. The Athenians, The Corinthians 52 17. The Galatians, The Romans 55 18. The Ephesians, The Colossians 59 19. Agabus, Felix, Festus, Agrippa 63 20. James And Jude The Brothers Of Jesus 67 21. Titus, Philemon, Onesimus 71 22. Demas, Hymaneus, Alexander, Diotrophes 73 23. Churches Of Asia - 1: Smyrna, Pergamom, Thyatira 75 24. Churches Of Asia - 2: Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea 78 25. Review 81 26. Review 84 2 Lesson 1: Matthias, Barsabas, Those Converted On Pentecost (Acts 2 & 3) Introduction: Jesus commanded his disciples to "tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high" (Lk. 24:49). After the Lord's ascension they returned to Jerusalem, and they "continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers" (Acts 1:14).
    [Show full text]
  • Sent to Cypress 1 / 31 / 2021
    Sent Series Bible & Life Guide Sunday Sermon Date: 1 / 31 / 2021 Sent to Cypress Acts 13:1-12 ____________________________Main Point___________________________ The church is sent out to share the gospel and to confront false beliefs. ___________________________ Introduction__________________________ 1. Are all Christians called to share the gospel? Why or why not? 2. If we’re commanded to tell the story of Jesus to others, why do we avoid the task? 3. What do we learn about God from His desire to be known and to use us to make His name known? When we think about what makes for a truly transformational church, a heart for the spread of the gospel is essential. If we’re going to play an active part in kingdom building, then we must be sensitive to God’s leadership and go where He tells us to go. But this isn’t possible if we aren’t listening to Him and seeking His will for our lives. Following Christ means we give up our rights to our plans and ambitions. Instead, we say to Jesus, “Where you send, I’ll go.” ________________ _____Understanding / Discussion___________________ Read Acts 13:1-3 4. What was the scene when the Holy Spirit spoke to the leaders at Antioch? How do you think He may have spoken? How does He speak today? 5. What role does the Holy Spirit play in our fulfillment of God’s vision for the gospel? The Spirit clearly designated whom He wanted the church to send out as missionaries. He said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” It is God who selects and calls those He chooses to cross geographic and cultural boundaries with the good news of the gospel.
    [Show full text]
  • George Keralis, Dmin Gillette Christian Church 307-682-3316
    George Keralis, DMin Gillette Christian Church 307-682-3316 Leaders That Lift the Lid – Acts 13:1-3 Antioch, a church possibly born out of persecution. Following the martyrdom of Stephen, Christians fled Jerusalem. Some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, came to Antioch of Syria, the third city of the Roman empire. At first, Jewish Christians only spoke the Gospel to other Jews (Acts 11:19). Later, some of these Jewish Christians began to cross cultural lines, speaking the Gospel to Greeks (11:20). The church at Antioch became the first multi-cultural church in the first century. This was the first church that sent missionaries to foreign places (13:4ff). The church also had the distinction of being the first church where the name “Christian” was used (11:26). While some churches chug along, others seem to rise up and accomplish great tasks for the Lord. What makes the difference? Money, talent, location, devotion to God? To some extent, all these elements play a part in the greatness of the church. What makes the difference? Leadership is the key ingredient. Team leadership under the direction of God, lifts the lid that allows the church to work outside its natural boundaries. What does an effective team look like in an expanding congregation? 1. Their focus is on glorifying God and not themselves (13:2-3). A. The team before us serves God through worship. 1. Usually, New Testament writers employ the Greek term proskuneo for worship – to bow the knee before God. 2. However, Luke uses the term leitourgeō.
    [Show full text]
  • Gifts of the Holy Spirit Purpose: Provoke People to Earnestly Desire and Use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
    7-7-2019, COTR Texarkana Title: Gifts of the Holy Spirit Purpose: Provoke people to earnestly desire and use the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual truth: The gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be desired and used today. Text: Acts 13:1-12 Topic: Spiritual Gifts, Holy Spirit, Motivational Gifts, Supernatural Series Title: Su-per-nat-u-ral Series Purpose: Provoke people to experience God’s power and presence in everyday life. Gifts of the Holy Spirit I. Henry video ice cream II. Introduction: The history of the early church A. [Acts 13:1–12 (ESV) Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers …2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia…6…they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the magician…opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But…Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit…10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness … will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11…behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see…for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.
    [Show full text]
  • Christians and Pagans in Roman Nea Paphos: Contextualizing the ‘House of Aion’ Mosaic
    UCLA UCLA Historical Journal Title Christians and Pagans in Roman Nea Paphos: Contextualizing the ‘House of Aion’ Mosaic Permalink https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4hb1v94d Journal UCLA Historical Journal, 29(1) ISSN 0276-864X Author Ladouceur, John Publication Date 2018 Peer reviewed eScholarship.org Powered by the California Digital Library University of California Christians and Pagans in Roman Nea Paphos: Contextualizing the ‘House of Aion’ Mosaic John Ladouceur Notre Dame University “Rather than retreats from public life, however, these residences were the forum made private.” —Peter Brown, on the late Roman villa1 Since its chance discovery in 1983 at the site of ancient Nea Paphos, the “House of Aion” floor mosaic has both fascinated and perplexed scholars. Located in the dining room (triclinium) of a wealthy Roman villa, the pavement, which contains five remarkably preserved panels depicting famous scenes from Greco-Roman mythology, is simply stunning in its artistic quality and scope. Constructed during the fourth century CE, the floor is a reflection of the considerable pros- perity of late Roman Cyprus and a window into the private world of a confident Mediterranean elite.2 Yet if the magnificence of the mosaic program has been conceded by all, its interpretation has proven more controversial. Although the scenes themselves are easily identifiable, being explicitly labeled by the artist, their meaning has been vigorously debated.3 Indeed, several prominent scholars, including the head exca- vator of the villa, W. A. Daszewski, have noticed an unsettling pattern in the layout of the panels.4 When read as part of a continuous sequence, the thematic content of these pagan scenes seems to mirror, in exact order, key scenes from the life of Jesus as depicted in the canonical Christian Gospels.
    [Show full text]