Unexpected Legacies: Lazarus, The Resurrected Missionary

Matthew J. Elliott

Depiction of Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus

One of the characters I researched for the novel I released in 2024, The Cyprus Journal, is Lazarus. In scripture, I know of only two people with that name; Lazarus from Bethany (John: 11:1–45), who was the man Jesus raised from the dead, and Lazarus the beggar (Luke 16:19–31), who is named in the parable of the Rich Man and the beggar. Both stories have a lot to tell us about unexpected legacies but for this article, Lazarus from Bethany is who I am writing about. 

In the story of Lazarus from Bethany, we know that he was a man Jesus knew well. There are several books out there dedicated to his sisters Mary and Martha. While I have not found as many books that speak to what happened to Lazarus after Jesus raised him from the dead, there are historical records out there that give us insight into what did happen. In the scriptures, we are told that Lazarus fell ill and was on the verge of death. When Jesus received word of his sickness he made his way to Bethany but by the time he arrived, Lazarus had already died. 

Raising of Lazarus

Despite everyone doubting the potential of what could happen next, Jesus called out to Lazarus and told him to come out of the tomb. To everyone's surprise, Lazarus emerged from the tomb alive and well. Thus giving Lazarus a significant place in New Testament History. This miracle is one of the most significant miracles that took place during the ministry of Jesus. It demonstrates the power over all things Jesus had and was a foreshadowing of his own resurrection. As I’ve already stated, it is what happened to Lazarus after the events of his resurrection that scripture does not tell us much about. 

While there is no further mention of Lazarus in the bible, there is further mention of his story in the catholic tradition that offers multiple accounts of where he ended up. Their traditions state that sometime after the resurrection of Jesus, Lazarus was forced to flee Judea because of a plot to take his life. Some believe that Acts 11:19 could have been the catalyst for his escape because once Stephen was stoned to death, persecution broke out everywhere and many departed for places such as the island of Cyprus. It is in Cyprus that the story of Lazarus of Bethany finds itself again.

During the first missionary Journey of Paul, he traveled with Barnabas and John Mark to the island of Cyprus. Lazarus was already in Cyprus at this time serving the church, and when Paul and Barnabas were there they appointed Lazarus as the first bishop of Kition. He lived there for 30 more years and was buried on the island after his death. While there, he continued to spread the teachings of Jesus and establish the church there. It is widely considered that when Barnabas and John Mark returned to Cyprus it was Lazarus who helped John Mark escape after the brutal death of Barnabas around 61 AD. 

Church of St. Lazarus in Larnaca Cyprus

In Kition, (now known as Larnaca) the church of Saint Lazarus stands as a testament to the legacy he built there and has become a significant pilgrimage site. The story we can build from this information presents a dual legacy. In Jerusalem, we see the impact his miraculous resurrection had on the early church. In Cyprus, where he continued his ministry, we see a man who dedicated his life to the missionary work of the early church in a place that suffered from the persecution of a philosophical war that is documented in multiple places during the events of his time there. 

For early Christians, the story of Lazarus was a source of immense hope and encouragement. His ministry illustrated the power of faith and the promise of resurrection, which are cornerstones of the Christian belief. As he took what he was taught and guided the Christian community in Kition, he helped establish and strengthen the believers as they endured much hardship echoing the same kind of ministry of people like Peter and Paul. His life and the miracle of his resurrection are used in many of the teachings and sermons that are used today. This only stands to reinforce his unexpected legacy as a key figure in Christian History. What lessons do you see in his story?

~ Biography ~

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which gave him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with a focus on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.

Matthew and his wife, Traci, have three children named Leyla, Caleb, and Hannah, who bring them immense joy and inspiration. As a writer, his goal is to share love, equip others, and edify them for the greater good. He loves connecting any amount of scripture to his stories and uses his knowledge of Biblical History to do so often.

You can find Matthew's works on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and even Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.

~ Highlighted Release ~

The Cyprus Journal is Over 50% off right now! Have you grabbed Your copy?

One Young Man. His Significant Story. A Witness of the Early Church.

Many knew him as the young cousin to Barnabas the Encourager, the son of Mary who offered her home to honor the Savior and those who followed Him, or even the man who abandoned Paul on his First Missionary Journey, but there is more to his story. His story is one of new beginnings, a promise fulfilled, and a man who overcame fear of the unknown.