The Journey Ends Series

“The Journey Ends”

Acts 14:24-27

12-14-2025 AM

Paul's First Missionary Journey is a major event spreading the Gospel, as recorded in the Acts.

This journey, by Paul and Barnabas, was essential in establishing churches among the Gentiles and Paul’s never ending quest to take the Gospel message to his people, the Jews.

The journey began in Acts 13:1 and ends in Acts 14:28 around the years of AD 46-48.

So 2 years Paul and Barnabas traveled.

Review of their travels:

Sending Forth From Antioch Syria:

The journey began in Antioch of Syria, a hub for early Christianity.

The church at Antioch, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which they were called. Acts 13:2-3

Cyprus:

The first stopover was the island of Cyprus, the homeland of Barnabas.

They traveled from Salamis to Paphos, preaching in Jewish synagogues.

In Paphos, they encountered a sorcerer which opposed them, but Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, struck him with temporary blindness.

Witnessing this, Sergius Paulus believed the teaching about the Lord and was saved. Acts 13:6-12

Following all that action John-Mark left and returned to Jerusalem.

Pisidian Antioch:

From Cyprus, Saul now called; Paul and Barnabas sailed to Perga in Pamphylia and then traveled to Pisidian Antioch.

Paul preached a sermon in the synagogue, recounting Israel's history and proclaiming Jesus as the promised Saviour. Acts 13:38-39

The message was well-received, but the devil sure made a mess with some Jewish leaders, Acts 13:45, causing Paul and Barnabas to preach with authority until they “shook off the dust of their feet against them.”

Iconium:

In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas once again preached in the synagogue, and in Acts 14:1 “…a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.”

The city became divided, and facing a plot to mistreat and stone them, they fled to the cities of Lystra and Derbe in Lycaonia Acts 14:1-6.

Lystra and Derbe:

In Lystra, Paul healed a man crippled from birth, causing the crowd to believe that Paul and Barnabas were gods.

They called Barnabas "Zeus" and Paul "Hermes."

Also, Jews from Antioch and Iconium, set in motion a riot against Paul where he was stoned and left for dead.

After he rose up Paul returned to the job of preaching and confirming (helping to grow into leaders) many disciples Acts 14:8-21.

Return to Antioch:

Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch, helping with the establishment of leaders in each church.

They encouraged the believers to remain steadfast in the faith, Acts 14:22.

Returning Home:

Finally returning to Antioch in Syria is where we are in this 2 year journey.

Importance:

I believe without Paul and Barnabas the New Testament Churches would look much different today.

It was their walk, testimony and preaching that set in motion the Gospel message that would be taken to the world today.

So let’s finish the first Missionary Journey today with Paul and Barnabas.

I. A Time Of Preaching

Acts 14:24-25 “And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:”

I see a message worth repeating!

Preached - The most used definition of this word would be to herald or speak boldly.

In this time Preached is defined as speak, or emit a sound.

This leads me to believe that Paul was spending some very personal time with those who believed.

We often think that the Gospel must be spoken during every message, and I am not against the Gospel, but in this case Paul was speaking or articulating a thought.

A great picture of Paul ad Barnabas helping the believers of each town, to strengthen their faith; to prepare them for hardships that will not doubt happen.

II. A Time Of Passage

Acts 14:26 “And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.”

Sailed - travel by ship

Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch.

There is nothing said about the time of travel but I would like to suggest that this was not an overnight travel; giving them time to reminisce about their journey; perhaps prepare for the report that would be spoken.

My thoughts: we, who are in the jet set age, miss a great opportunity of rest that can help in our worship, fellowship, and service to the LORD.

III. A Time Of Praising

Acts 14:27 “And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.”

Rehearsed - to announce, make known, to report, bring back tidings

All that God had done with them – God’s protection, God’s Directing, God’s intervention (raising Paul who was presumed dead). God did it all!