PAUL THE APOSTLE ( Part 14) | THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY ( AD 47 )

Pastor Christopher Choo

Lesson 3113

PAUL THE APOSTLE ( Part 14)

THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY ( AD 47 ).
#4.  THE CITY OF DERBE

The journey to Derbe from Lystra took three to four days on foot.

But the long journey was worth it. For when Paul and Barnabus preached the gospel, many in Derbe turned to Christ and became disciples ( Acts 14: 21 ). But it marked the end of their first missionary journey. It was time to head back to Antioch of Syria to give their report.

Despite the persecution they encountered at Lystra, Iconium and Pisidian Antioch, they retraced their steps to these three Galatian cities.

They were joyful when they found that the churches they planted in these cities had remained faithful.

Thus they did 3 things:

1. They strengthened the souls of the disciples;

2. They exhorted them to continue in the faith;

3. They reminded them not to be discouraged with the cost of their calling - " We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God" ( Acts 14:22 ). Hardship, persecution and suffering were the cost of entering the kingdom of God.

Then they appointed elders in every church, led the churches to pray with fasting, and commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

After passing through Pisidia, they went down to Perga in Pamphylia to preach the word. From Perga they went to a nearby port at Attalia.  "From there they sailed to Antioch ( in Syria ), where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed" ( Acts 14:26 ).

Abba Father, in all Paul and Barnabus, spent two years ( AD 47 to 49 ) in their first missionary journey to Cyprus and southern Galatia. This good report would bring much rejoicing to the church at Antioch that obeyed Your calling to send them out in the first place. Hallelujah.