Paul's First Missionary Journey

Acts 13:1 - 14:28 = Paul's first missionary journey

Beginning in Chapter 13, Luke's history of the church focuses almost exclusively on the outreach to the Gentiles and the consequent growth of the church. Here we find the Spirit's selection of Paul and Barnabas to become special missionaries, and we see a shift as Paul replaces Peter as the central figure in the book.

Paul's entourage (Baranabas and John Mark) sets sail, stopping on Cyprus, where the messengers of Jesus confront a false prophet named Bar-Jesus. Then the mission moves north to Perga. For an unknown reason, John Mark abruptly leaves the venture and returns home to Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas continue inland to Antioch of Pisidia.

The initial reaction to Paul's preaching is favorable. But among the audience is a number of jealous Jewish leaders. Despite efforts by these men to discredit both Paul and his message, the assembled Gentiles eagerly embrace the gospel. This further incites the Jewish leaders, who are eventually able to sir up the mob that runs Paul and Barnabas out of town. These events serve as a kind of microcosm of the entire ministry of Paul: stiff opposition from most Jews and joyous acceptance of the gospel message by many Gentiles.

Journeying through the region to Galatia, the missionaries visit Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, and God confirms their message in each place with miraculous signs and numerous conversions. Even so, the Jewish mobs turn murderous and Paul is stoned. But God is not finished with the apostle form Tarsus. Paul's joyful perseverance in the face of the extreme persecution is testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life.

Following a successful evangelistic campaign in Derbe, the missionaries backtrack through all the cities visited on their missionary enterprise. The goal is to strengthen and encourage the believers, appoint elders in the churches, and pray with and for them. At last Paul and Barnabas return to their home church in Antioch of Syria and report on "all that God had done with them, and that He and opened the door of faith to the Gentiles" (vs. 27).