And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
And {G2532} after they had passed throughout {G1330} Pisidia {G4099}, they came {G2064} to {G1519} Pamphylia {G3828}.
Passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
After passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
And they passed through Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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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.
Acts 14:24 briefly chronicles a significant geographical transition during Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey. The verse states, "And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia." This concise statement marks a pivotal point in their return voyage, emphasizing their strategic and deliberate movement as they continued their mission.
Context
This verse occurs towards the end of Paul's first missionary journey. Paul and Barnabas had previously traveled eastward through Pisidia, ministering in cities like Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. In these cities, they preached the Gospel, established churches, and faced intense opposition, including stoning in Lystra (Acts 14:19). Instead of taking a direct route back to Antioch of Syria, their home base, they chose to retrace their steps through the very regions where they had just ministered and faced persecution. This return journey was not merely travel but a continuation of their pastoral work, aimed at strengthening the nascent Christian communities.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek verb for "passed throughout" is dielthontes (διελθόντες), which is a participle indicating a completed action of traversing or going through thoroughly. This suggests a comprehensive journey through the region, not just a quick passage. Similarly, "came to" (ēlthon - ἦλθον) is a straightforward verb of motion, indicating their arrival in Pamphylia, a coastal Roman province in Asia Minor.
Geographical Significance
Pisidia was an inland region in ancient Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), characterized by its rugged and mountainous terrain. It was home to various cities where Paul and Barnabas established churches. Pamphylia, by contrast, was a coastal region to the south of Pisidia, known for its port cities like Perga and Attalia. Their movement from the interior of Pisidia to the coastal plains of Pamphylia indicates their approach to the sea, from which they would eventually sail back to Antioch of Syria (Acts 14:25-26).
Practical Application
Acts 14:24, though brief, offers powerful lessons on missionary work and Christian dedication. It reminds us that spreading the Gospel often involves arduous journeys, both physical and spiritual. It highlights the importance of not only initiating new believers but also of nurturing and strengthening them. The apostles' willingness to revisit challenging areas underscores the value of perseverance and commitment in God's service, inspiring believers today to remain steadfast in their faith and ministry despite obstacles, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).