Acts 14:24

KJV

And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} after they had passed throughout {G1330} Pisidia {G4099}, they came {G2064} to {G1519} Pamphylia {G3828}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

Berean Standard Bible

After passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

American Standard Version

And they passed through Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 14:24 succinctly documents a crucial geographical transition during Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey, as they conclude their arduous evangelistic efforts in Pisidia and move into the coastal region of Pamphylia. This verse, though brief, marks a strategic step in their return journey to Antioch of Syria, underscoring their deliberate and purposeful movement to consolidate the nascent churches they had established and to prepare for their departure from Asia Minor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture towards the conclusion of Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey, immediately following their extensive and often perilous ministry in the cities of Pisidia, including Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Having faced severe persecution, including Paul being stoned and left for dead in Lystra ([Acts 14:19](/acts/14-19 "Paul Stoned in Lystra")), the apostles made the deliberate decision to retrace their steps through these very regions. This was not a retreat but a strategic pastoral move, as the preceding verses ([Acts 14:21-23](/acts/14-21-23 "Paul and Barnabas Strengthen Disciples")) make clear their purpose was to strengthen the disciples, encourage them to persevere in the faith, and appoint elders in every church. Thus, their passage into Pamphylia is the final leg of this vital consolidation phase before their ultimate return to their sending church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Pisidia, an inland region of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), was characterized by its rugged, mountainous terrain and a diverse population, often resistant to outside influences. The cities within Pisidia, such as Pisidian Antioch, were significant Roman colonies or Hellenistic centers, serving as strategic points for Paul's evangelistic outreach. Pamphylia, by contrast, was a fertile coastal plain to the south of Pisidia, featuring important port cities like Perga and Attalia. The transition from the interior highlands of Pisidia to the coastal lowlands of Pamphylia signifies their approach to the sea, where they would eventually embark for Antioch. Travel in this era was arduous, often by foot, and fraught with dangers from bandits, harsh weather, and difficult terrain. Their journey through these regions, especially revisiting areas of intense opposition, speaks volumes about their commitment and courage in the face of such challenges.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 14:24 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader narrative of Paul's ministry. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Strategic and Purposeful Mission**, demonstrating that the apostles' movements were not random but carefully planned to maximize the impact of their evangelism and pastoral care. Their decision to revisit previously evangelized areas, despite the risks, underscores their commitment to nurturing new believers, a theme further elaborated in [Acts 14:21-23](/acts/14-21-23 "Paul and Barnabas Strengthen Disciples"). Secondly, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **Perseverance in the Face of Adversity**. Having endured stoning and severe opposition in Pisidia, their return through this region, rather than bypassing it, exemplifies unwavering dedication to the Gospel and the spiritual well-being of the nascent churches. This resonates with the broader biblical call to steadfastness in ministry, as seen in Paul's later exhortations in [2 Timothy 4:2](/2_timothy/4-2 "Paul's Charge to Timothy"). Finally, this geographical transition is part of the theme of **Church Planting and Consolidation**, as the apostles systematically established and then strengthened Christian communities, laying foundational structures for the burgeoning Gentile church, a process vital for the spread of the Gospel throughout the Roman world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **And (Greek, _kaí'_):** This primary particle serves as a copulative, linking the action of passing through Pisidia with their subsequent arrival in Pamphylia. It indicates a continuation of their journey and ministry, emphasizing the sequential nature of their movements as they systematically covered the regions.
* **passed throughout (Greek, _diérchomai'_):** Derived from `διά` (through) and `ἔρχομαι` (to come/go), this verb signifies a thorough traversing or going through a region comprehensively. It implies a deliberate and unhurried movement, suggesting that Paul and Barnabas did not merely pass *by* Pisidia but moved *through* it, likely revisiting the cities where they had established churches to provide further instruction and encouragement. This is not a casual transit but a purposeful journey.
* **came (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This verb denotes the act of coming or going, indicating their arrival. In this context, it marks the successful completion of their journey through Pisidia and their entry into the new geographical area of Pamphylia, signifying a transition from one phase of their journey to the next.
* **to (Greek, _eis'_):** This preposition indicates the point reached or entered, signifying motion "into" or "to" a specific destination. Here, it clearly marks Pamphylia as their intended and achieved destination after traversing Pisidia, highlighting the precise direction and outcome of their travel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after they had passed throughout Pisidia":** This clause describes the completion of Paul and Barnabas's extensive and deliberate journey through the region of Pisidia. The verb "passed throughout" (G1330, _diérchomai_) implies a comprehensive traversing, suggesting that they revisited the various cities within Pisidia where they had previously preached the Gospel, established churches, and faced significant opposition. This was not a quick transit but a purposeful engagement with the communities they had founded, likely for the purpose of strengthening and organizing them, as indicated by the broader context of [Acts 14:21-23](/acts/14-21-23 "Paul and Barnabas Strengthening Disciples").
* **"they came to Pamphylia":** This clause states their arrival in Pamphylia, a coastal region located to the south of Pisidia. This marks a significant geographical shift, moving from the mountainous interior to the plains leading to the Mediterranean Sea. Their arrival in Pamphylia, specifically its port cities like Perga and Attalia, would facilitate their return voyage by sea to Antioch of Syria, their home base. This movement signifies the final stage of their return journey from the inner regions of Asia Minor.

#### Literary Devices
The brevity of Acts 14:24, while seemingly simple, employs several subtle literary devices. **Conciseness** is paramount, as Luke distills a potentially arduous and time-consuming journey into a single clause, highlighting the efficiency and directness of the apostolic mission. This conciseness also serves as a **Transitional Marker**, signaling the shift from the intense ministry in Pisidia to the final leg of their return journey through Pamphylia. The geographical names, **Pisidia** and **Pamphylia**, function as **Metonymy**, standing for the entire regions and the experiences Paul and Barnabas had within them, including the establishing of churches and facing persecution. The sequence of actions—"passed throughout" followed by "came to"—creates a sense of **Linear Narrative Progression**, reinforcing the systematic and purposeful nature of their missionary endeavors.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 14:24, though a geographical marker, is deeply embedded in the theological narrative of the early church's expansion. It underscores the apostles' unwavering commitment to the Great Commission, not merely in initial evangelism but crucially in the ongoing discipleship and strengthening of new believers. Their willingness to re-enter hostile territories for the sake of the fledgling churches exemplifies a profound pastoral heart and a recognition that the work of the Gospel extends beyond conversion to consolidation. This commitment to nurturing the flock, even at personal risk, reflects the very heart of Christ's shepherding ministry and sets a precedent for all subsequent missionary endeavors, emphasizing that true spiritual growth requires sustained care and intentional follow-up.

* [Acts 14:21-23](/acts/14-21-23 "Paul and Barnabas Strengthening Disciples"): Immediately preceding this verse, these verses explain the purpose of their return through Pisidia—to strengthen the disciples and appoint elders.
* [Luke 9:57-58](/luke/9-57-58 "The Cost of Following Jesus"): Jesus's teachings on the commitment required to follow Him resonate with the apostles' perseverance despite the hardships of their journey.
* [1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "Paul's Exhortation to Steadfastness"): Paul's later exhortation to be "steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" finds an early demonstration in his own actions chronicled here.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 14:24, despite its brevity, offers profound insights for contemporary believers and the church. It reminds us that Christian ministry is often a journey of both initiation and endurance. Paul and Barnabas didn't just preach and leave; they revisited, strengthened, and organized. This highlights the vital importance of follow-up, discipleship, and pastoral care in the life of the church. It challenges us to consider our own commitment to those we introduce to Christ, asking if we are willing to "pass throughout" the difficult or inconvenient places of their spiritual journey, providing ongoing support and encouragement. Furthermore, the apostles' courage in revisiting regions where they faced severe persecution serves as a powerful testament to perseverance in the face of adversity. It calls us to examine our own willingness to serve God faithfully, even when it demands sacrifice, discomfort, or opposition, trusting that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the apostles' decision to "pass throughout" Pisidia, revisiting difficult areas, challenge my understanding of effective ministry and discipleship?**
* **In what ways am I called to "strengthen the souls of the disciples" in my own sphere of influence, rather than just initiating them into faith?**
* **What "Pisidias" (areas of past difficulty or opposition) might God be calling me to revisit or persevere through for the sake of His kingdom today?**

### FAQ

**Why did Paul and Barnabas retrace their steps through Pisidia instead of taking a more direct route back to Antioch?**

Answer: Paul and Barnabas chose to retrace their steps through Pisidia, revisiting cities like Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch, for a crucial pastoral purpose. As [Acts 14:21-23](/acts/14-21-23 "Paul and Barnabas Strengthening Disciples") explicitly states, their intention was "to confirm the souls of the disciples, and to exhort them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." They also "ordained elders in every church." This demonstrates their commitment to consolidating the nascent Christian communities they had established, ensuring their spiritual maturity and organizational stability, rather than merely evangelizing and moving on. It was a strategic decision driven by deep pastoral care for the new believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 14:24 is a geographical and historical marker, it implicitly points to the Christ-centered nature of the apostles' mission and the ultimate fulfillment found in Him. The apostles' tireless journeying, their perseverance through persecution, and their commitment to strengthening the fledgling churches in Pisidia and Pamphylia are all reflections of Christ's own self-giving and enduring love for His church. Just as Jesus "passed through" Galilee and Judea, ministering and gathering His disciples, Paul and Barnabas followed His example, embodying the Great Commission given by the resurrected Lord in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission"). Their willingness to suffer for the Gospel echoes Christ's own suffering and ultimate sacrifice on the cross for the redemption of humanity, as highlighted in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility"). Ultimately, their journey was not merely about traversing physical space but about extending the spiritual kingdom of God, founded upon the finished work of Christ. Every step taken, every hardship endured, and every church strengthened was an act of obedience to the one who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), ensuring that the message of salvation through Him reached "the uttermost part of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Holy Spirit and Witnessing")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 13:13

Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

Acts 13:14

¶ But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

Acts 15:38

But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.