They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, They preached the gospel to that cityIn this phrase, "that city" refers to Derbe, a city in the region of Lycaonia in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. The preaching of the gospel signifies the core mission of Paul and Barnabas, emphasizing the spread of the message of Jesus Christ. This act of preaching is consistent with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), where Jesus instructed His disciples to make disciples of all nations. The focus on preaching highlights the importance of verbal proclamation in the early church's evangelistic efforts. Luk 8:1 Soon afterward, Jesus traveled from one town and village… and made many disciples. The making of disciples indicates not just conversion but also the process of teaching and nurturing new believers in the faith. This aligns with the model of discipleship seen throughout the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to grow in their understanding and practice of the faith (Acts 2:42). The success in making many disciples in Derbe suggests a receptive audience and the effective work of the Holy Spirit in opening hearts to the gospel message. Jhn 4:1 When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware… Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, The return to these cities—Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia—demonstrates the commitment of Paul and Barnabas to strengthen and encourage the new believers. These cities were part of their earlier missionary journey (Acts 13-14), and returning to them shows the importance of follow-up and discipleship. Lystra is notable for being the place where Paul was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19), yet he courageously returns, exemplifying perseverance in the face of persecution. Iconium and Antioch were also places of significant opposition, yet they were crucial centers for the early church. This return journey underscores the apostles' dedication to establishing strong, enduring communities of faith. Act 15:36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, Let us go back… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul and BarnabasThe primary missionaries in this passage, who are actively spreading the gospel and making disciples. 2. The City Refers to Derbe, where Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel and made many disciples. 3. Lystra A city where Paul and Barnabas had previously faced persecution but returned to strengthen the disciples. 4. Iconium Another city where they had preached earlier and faced opposition, yet they returned to encourage the believers. 5. Antioch Refers to Pisidian Antioch, a place where Paul and Barnabas had initially preached and faced resistance. Teaching Points The Importance of Perseverance in MinistryDespite facing persecution, Paul and Barnabas returned to the cities where they had been opposed. This teaches us the importance of perseverance and commitment in our ministry efforts. Disciple-Making as a Core Mission The passage emphasizes making disciples as a central mission of the church. We are called to not only share the gospel but also to nurture and grow new believers in their faith. Strengthening and Encouraging Believers Paul and Barnabas's return to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch highlights the need to strengthen and encourage fellow believers, especially in the face of trials. The Role of Community in Faith The return to these cities underscores the importance of community and fellowship in the Christian faith, as believers are encouraged and supported by one another. Faithfulness to God's Call Paul and Barnabas's journey reflects their faithfulness to God's call, reminding us to remain faithful to the mission God has given us, regardless of challenges. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the example of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14:21 inspire you to persevere in your own ministry or personal mission?2. In what ways can you actively participate in the disciple-making process within your community or church? 3. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition or challenges in your faith journey. How can the actions of Paul and Barnabas encourage you to continue? 4. How can you contribute to strengthening and encouraging fellow believers in your local church or small group? 5. Consider the role of community in your faith. How can you foster a supportive and encouraging environment for others in your faith community? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 28:19-20The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His commands. This connects to the mission work of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14:21. Acts 13:50-52 Describes the opposition Paul and Barnabas faced in Pisidian Antioch, highlighting their perseverance in returning to strengthen the believers. 2 Timothy 2:2 Paul instructs Timothy to entrust the teachings to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others, reflecting the disciple-making process seen in Acts 14:21. Acts 9:15-16 God's calling of Paul as a chosen instrument to proclaim His name to the Gentiles, which is being fulfilled in Acts 14:21. Hebrews 10:24-25 Encourages believers to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, which aligns with Paul and Barnabas's return to encourage the churches.
People Barnabas, Hermes, Jupiter, Mercurius, PaulPlaces Attalia, Derbe, Iconium, Lycaonia, Lystra, Pamphylia, Perga, Pisidia, Pisidian Antioch, Syrian AntiochTopics Announced, Antioch, Converts, Discipled, Disciples, Gaining, Glad, Gospel, Iconium, Ico'nium, Large, Lystra, News, Preached, Preaching, Proclaimed, Proclaiming, Retraced, Returned, Steps, Taught, Tidings, Town, WonDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 14:21 2425 gospel, requirements Library Dream and Reality'The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.' --ACTS xiv. 11. This was the spontaneous instinctive utterance of simple villagers when they saw a deed of power and kindness. Many an English traveller and settler among rude people has been similarly honoured. And in Lycaonia the Apostles were close upon places that were celebrated in Greek mythology as having witnessed the very two gods, here spoken of, wandering among the shepherds and entertained with modest hospitality in their huts. The … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts 'The Door of Faith' Deified and Stoned The Cripple at Lystra Historical Criticism of Mediæval Amplifications. St. Barnabas' Day. We Preach unto You that Ye Should Turn from These Vanities unto the Living God which Made Heaven Whether it was Fitting that Christ Should be Transfigured? Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial. Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers Paul at Athens The Publisher to the Reader. Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial. Apostles To-Day? Letter xi (Circa A. D. 1120) the Abbot of Saint Nicasius at Rheims The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation Holy violence Phil. 1:01 the Rights and Duties of Lay Churchmen. Though These Eternal Moral Obligations are Indeed of Themselves Incumbent on all Rational Beings, The Extension of the Church Throughout the World Concerning Persecution Epistle xxxix. To Anastasius, Bishop . Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us Links Acts 14:21 NIVActs 14:21 NLT Acts 14:21 ESV Acts 14:21 NASB Acts 14:21 KJV Acts 14:21 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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