From Attalia they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had just completed. From AttaliaAttalia was a port city in the region of Pamphylia, located in modern-day Turkey. It served as a significant hub for maritime travel in the ancient world. The city was founded by Attalus II, a king of Pergamon, and was known for its strategic location. This port was crucial for Paul and Barnabas as they concluded their first missionary journey, highlighting the importance of travel and trade routes in the spread of the Gospel. Act 13:13 After setting sail from Paphos, Paul and his companions… they sailed to Antioch, Antioch in Syria was a major center for early Christianity and the base for Paul and Barnabas's missionary activities. It was the third-largest city in the Roman Empire and a melting pot of cultures and religions. This city was where believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26), and it played a pivotal role in the early church as a launching point for missions. The return to Antioch signifies the completion of their mission and the importance of the church community in supporting and sending out missionaries. Act 18:22 When Paul had landed at Caesarea, he went up… where they had been commended to the grace of God The phrase indicates that Paul and Barnabas were entrusted to God's grace by the church in Antioch before they embarked on their journey. This act of commendation reflects the early church's practice of prayer and laying on of hands as a means of seeking divine guidance and protection (Acts 13:3). It underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and provision in the mission work, emphasizing reliance on divine grace rather than human effort. Act 13:43 After the synagogue was dismissed, many of the Jews… for the work they had just completed. The work refers to the missionary journey that Paul and Barnabas undertook, which included preaching the Gospel, establishing churches, and strengthening the faith of new believers. This journey is detailed in Acts 13 and 14, where they faced both opposition and success. The completion of this work highlights the fulfillment of their mission and the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities to Gentile regions, aligning with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). It also reflects the early church's commitment to evangelism and discipleship, setting a precedent for future missions. Jhn 17:4 I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing… Persons / Places / Events 1. AttaliaA port city in Pamphylia, modern-day Antalya in Turkey, from where Paul and Barnabas set sail back to Antioch. 2. Antioch A significant city in early Christianity, located in modern-day Turkey. It was the base for Paul and Barnabas's missionary journeys and a center for early Christian teaching. 3. Paul and Barnabas Early Christian missionaries who were instrumental in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. They were committed to God's grace for their missionary work. 4. The Grace of God Refers to the divine favor and empowerment given to Paul and Barnabas for their missionary endeavors. 5. The Completed Work The missionary journey that Paul and Barnabas had undertaken, which involved preaching the Gospel and establishing churches. Teaching Points Commitment to God's GraceRecognize that any work for God requires His grace and empowerment. Just as Paul and Barnabas were committed to God's grace, we too must rely on His strength for our tasks. Completion of God-given Tasks Be diligent in completing the work God has assigned to you. Reflect on how Paul and Barnabas finished their journey and consider what tasks God has called you to complete. The Role of the Church Community Understand the importance of being sent and supported by a church community, as Paul and Barnabas were by the church in Antioch. Engage with your local church for support and accountability. Reflecting on God's Faithfulness Take time to reflect on how God has been faithful in your life and ministry, just as He was faithful to Paul and Barnabas in their journey. Missionary Mindset Cultivate a mindset that is open to God's calling, whether it is local or global. Consider how you can be involved in missions, inspired by the example of Paul and Barnabas. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of being "committed to the grace of God" influence your understanding of your own ministry or work for God?2. In what ways can you ensure that you are completing the tasks God has given you, similar to how Paul and Barnabas completed their journey? 3. How can your local church community support you in your spiritual journey, and how can you contribute to the community's mission? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in completing a task. How can this encourage you in your current endeavors? 5. What steps can you take to develop a missionary mindset, and how can you be involved in spreading the Gospel in your context? Connections to Other Scriptures Acts 13:1-3This passage describes the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas by the church in Antioch, highlighting the beginning of their missionary journey. Acts 11:19-26 Provides background on the church in Antioch, where believers were first called Christians, and where Paul and Barnabas taught for a year. 2 Timothy 4:7 Paul speaks of having "finished the race," which parallels the completion of the work mentioned in Acts 14:26. Philippians 1:6 Speaks of God completing the good work He began, similar to the completion of the missionary journey. Romans 15:19 Paul reflects on the fulfillment of his ministry, akin to the completion of the work in Acts 14:26. People Barnabas, Hermes, Jupiter, Mercurius, PaulPlaces Attalia, Derbe, Iconium, Lycaonia, Lystra, Pamphylia, Perga, Pisidia, Pisidian Antioch, Syrian AntiochTopics Accomplished, Antioch, Commended, Committed, Completed, Connexion, Fulfilled, Grace, Handed, Previously, Recommended, Sail, Sailed, Ship, Thence, WhenceDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 14:26 4915 completion 7740 missionaries, call 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 14:26 NIVActs 14:26 NLT Acts 14:26 ESV Acts 14:26 NASB Acts 14:26 KJV Acts 14:26 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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