After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”
When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
They passed through Pisidia and came into Pamphylia.
When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
From there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished. Acts 13:21-24
The first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas started in Antioch with a commissioning in prayer and ended there with a commendation for the work accomplished. There certainly were miracles, hardships, persecutions, persuasion, and much more. Wow! What a joy it must have been to be on the first Christian missionary trip and to see God confirm His Holy Word and to find some receive it with joy, yet others respond with vitriol. All of this still happens today. And yet, the gospel has been preached and received in nearly every part of the world.
How am I involved in the preaching of the gospel? Have I extended myself to participate in missionary journeys?
God, it really is exciting to read about the fascinating journey of the apostle Paul and to know that so much has been accomplished and yet, I have a role today to extend myself for the sake of sharing the gospel. I pray for revival in my town and for many to find Christ this weekend at the Bible teaching, Christ centered churches in Corona. Please draw those that are being saved into the church.
