The Book of Acts

Paul & Barnabas Return to Antioch of Syria

Acts 14:21-28 _NLT

“After preaching the Good News in Derbe & making many disciples, Paul & Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium & Antioch of Pisidia, where they strengthened the believers.”- Acts 14:21-22a

                  Wait, weren’t these the places that Paul & Barnabas were threatened and physically attacked? Knowing this, why would they return to these places? It was because they knew God was with them and the Spirit was leading them there for a specific purpose. That purpose was to encourage the new believers and establish leadership. Leadership was important in that they would do what the Apostles couldn’t do being that they were not present at all times. The Apostles were called to spread the gospel, while the Spirit-led leaders chosen would be with their own local church helping the congregation grow in maturity and knowledge through the teaching of the word and encouragement. 

                  Wherever Paul & Barnabas went the Spirit of God used them to win many souls to Christ. The church was growing rapidly and because they were Spirit-led, would be successful in the eyes of God. Their opposition seems to have mainly come from the Jews who were not ready to accept Jesus as the long awaited Messiah. The Jews within the body were opposed to Gentile converts at first, but acquiesced to the wishes of the Apostles, though they still demanded that the gentiles follow Jewish law and their ritualistic practices. The Apostles took issue with this and so a council was formed in Jerusalem to resolve the matter. We shall discuss that in the next chapter.

                  What can we learn from this portion of scripture? There has been and always will be opposition of one form or another to the true teachings of Christ. We must make sure we know God’s word for ourselves and hold firmly onto the truth, for there can only be one truth, not many. Know what you need to know and live it out for the world to see. As the scripture says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.