In Derbe, Paul and Barnabas continued to advance the gospel of the risen Christ. There, many believed and were born again of faith in the life, death and resurrection of God’s begotten Son, Jesus, the Messiah.
“21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:21-22)
Once their work concluded in Derbe, the missionaries returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch where they strengthened the disciples and organized the newly founded ministries of the Christian church.
Also, Paul and Barnabas shared facts about Christianity, that whoever follows in Jesus’ footsteps should be prepared to face persecution from skeptics.
“23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” (Acts 14:23)
Elders were not appointed during the missionaries’ first visit to each city, but during their second journey through the region. This allowed each church’ members to select their leaders at the advice of both Paul and Barnabas.
“24 And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.” (Acts 14:24-25)
Paul and Barnabas continues their missionary journey through Asia Minor, and stopped to preach the gospel in Perga, the ancient Greek city in Anatolia and the capital of Pamphylia. Though both missionaries had traveled through Perga before, they waited until this day to preach.
Then, Paul and Barnabas traveled to Attalia, a seaport city located in an inlet of the Mediterranean Sea.
“26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.” (Acts 14:26)
Lastly, Paul and Barnabas completed their appointed mission by returning to Antioch where they were both sent off on a missionary journey several years earlier.
“27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 So they stayed there a long time with the disciples.” (Acts 14:27-28)
In Antioch, the church gathered and heard Paul and Barnabas’ account of their journey during which many believed and were born again of faith in the risen Messiah, Jesus, the Christ. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
