What happened on Paul’s first missionary journey?
Paul’s first missionary journey is recorded in Acts 13-14. This journey lasted approximately 2 years, from 46-48 AD. Here is an overview of the key events that occurred:
Paul and Barnabas Sent Off From Antioch (Acts 13:1-3)
Paul’s first missionary journey began from the church in Antioch. Several prophets and teachers were ministering there, including Barnabas and Paul. As they fasted and prayed, the Holy Spirit told them to set apart Barnabas and Paul for the work He had called them to. After more fasting, prayer, and laying on of hands, the church in Antioch sent them off on their journey.
Proclaiming the Gospel in Cyprus (Acts 13:4-12)
Paul and Barnabas sailed to the island of Cyprus, accompanied by John Mark. In Salamis, they preached the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They traveled across the whole island to Paphos, where they encountered a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus. The proconsul, Sergius Paulus, had summoned Barnabas and Paul because he wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas (as Bar-Jesus was called) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked Elymas, and struck him blind. When Sergius Paulus saw this, he believed, amazed at the teaching about the Lord.
Preaching in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:13-52)
From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Pisidian Antioch, where they went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day. Paul was invited to speak, so he gave a sermon recounting Israel’s history and proclaiming Jesus as the promised Messiah. Many Gentiles begged Paul to teach them the next Sabbath. When the Jewish leaders saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and contradicted Paul’s message, blaspheming the name of Jesus. But Paul and Barnabas boldly declared they were turning to the Gentiles, since the Jews rejected the gospel. The Gentiles rejoiced and many believed. But the Jewish leaders incited persecution and expelled Paul and Barnabas from their region.
Preaching in Iconium (Acts 14:1-7)
Paul and Barnabas escaped to Iconium, where they spoke so effectively in the synagogue that a great multitude of Jews and Greeks believed. But unbelieving Jews stirred up dissension and poisoned people’s minds against them. Paul and Barnabas stayed a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord despite threats of violence. The people of the city were divided in their opinion of the apostles. But when a violent plot was hatched to stone them, they found out and fled to Lystra and Derbe in Lycaonia.
Ministry in Lystra and Derbe (Acts 14:8-20)
In Lystra, Paul healed a lame man who had never walked. When the crowds saw it, they cried out that the gods had come down to them in human form. They called Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes. Even the priest of Zeus wanted to offer sacrifices to them. But Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes in dismay and tried to stop the people from offering sacrifices. Just then, Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and turned the crowds against them. They stoned Paul and left him for dead outside the city. But when the disciples gathered around him, Paul got up and went back into the city. The next day, he left with Barnabas for Derbe, where they preached the gospel and made many disciples.
The Return Trip to Antioch in Syria (Acts 14:21-28)
Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps, returning to Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch to strengthen the new disciples and encourage them to remain true to the faith. They warned that entering God’s kingdom requires enduring many hardships. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in each church and committed the new believers to the Lord’s care through prayer and fasting. Then they traveled through Pisidia to Pamphylia, sharing the message in Perga before going down to Attalia. From there, they sailed back to Antioch in Syria, where their journey had begun. In Antioch, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them on this first missionary journey.
Key Takeaways
– Paul’s first missionary journey lasted about 2 years and covered around 1,400 miles. He started off accompanied by Barnabas and John Mark.
– The missionaries preached the gospel in Jewish synagogues and to Gentile audiences, resulting in both conversions and intense opposition.
– Paul performed miraculous signs and wonders to validate his apostolic authority and message about Jesus.
– At strategic points Paul appointed elders to provide leadership for the new churches he planted.
– By the end, Paul’s leadership role increased while Barnabas took more of a backseat. John Mark deserted them midway through.
– They sow seeds for future ministry by revisiting the new churches on their return trip to strengthen and encourage the disciples.
– When they arrived back in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas testified to the church about God’s work through them on this first journey.
In just a few years, the gospel spread from Jerusalem into Asia Minor through the pioneering efforts of Paul and his companions. This launched Paul’s extensive missionary career and expanded the church far beyond its Jewish origins through fruitful ministry among the Gentiles. Paul’s subsequent missionary journeys would continue to advance the kingdom and transform the Greco-Roman world.