Acts 18:22

And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

And {G2532} when he had landed {G2718} at {G1519} Caesarea {G2542}, and gone up {G305}, and {G2532} saluted {G782} the church {G1577}, he went down {G2597} to {G1519} Antioch {G490}.

After landing at Caesarea, he went up to Yerushalayim and greeted the Messianic community. Then he came down to Antioch,

When Paul had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church at Jerusalem. Then he went down to Antioch.

And when he had landed at Cæsarea, he went up and saluted the church, and went down to Antioch.

Commentary

Context of Acts 18:22

Acts 18:22 marks a significant point in the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. Following a period of ministry in Corinth and a brief stop in Ephesus, this verse describes Paul's return journey, effectively concluding his second missionary journey. His travels were extensive, often by sea, connecting key cities of the Roman Empire where early Christian communities were forming.

The sequence of locations—Caesarea, Jerusalem (implied), and Antioch—illustrates the strategic network of the early church. Caesarea was a major Roman port city on the coast of Judea, serving as a gateway to Jerusalem. Antioch in Syria, on the other hand, was Paul's home church and the primary sending base for his missionary endeavors, as seen in Acts 13:1-3.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Completion and Reporting: This verse signifies the successful conclusion of a major missionary undertaking. Paul's actions demonstrate the importance of accountability and reporting back to one's spiritual leadership or sending body after a period of intense ministry. It was a practice of good order and fellowship within the early church.
  • Fellowship and Connection: By "saluting the church," Paul reinforced the vital ties between the various Christian communities. His visit to Jerusalem connected him with the central church there, acknowledging its foundational role, and his return to Antioch re-established his roots with his sending congregation. This highlights the value of ongoing fellowship and mutual encouragement among believers.
  • Strategic Cycles of Ministry: Paul's journey illustrates a pattern of missionary work: being sent out, engaging in ministry, returning, reporting, and then preparing for the next phase. This cyclical approach allowed for reflection, rest, and renewed vision for future endeavors.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "gone up" is a significant geographical and cultural indicator. In biblical context, "going up" almost invariably refers to ascending to Jerusalem, which is situated at a higher elevation than Caesarea and most other surrounding areas. While Jerusalem is not explicitly named, the phrase strongly implies Paul made a brief, unrecorded visit there to greet the apostles and elders, likely giving an account of his journey and its results. This underscores the central role of the Jerusalem church in the early Christian movement, as also seen in discussions like the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15.

Practical Application

Acts 18:22 offers several timeless lessons for believers and ministry today:

  • The Value of Accountability: Just as Paul reported back, it is beneficial for individuals and ministries to maintain accountability, sharing successes, challenges, and lessons learned with their spiritual community or leaders. This fosters transparency and mutual support.
  • Importance of Spiritual Home: Paul's return to Antioch emphasizes the significance of having a spiritual home or sending church. This community provides a base for support, fellowship, and renewal, allowing individuals to rest and be refreshed before embarking on new assignments.
  • Cycles of Ministry and Rest: Ministry is not a continuous sprint. There are seasons for going out, serving, and then returning for rest, reflection, and fellowship. Recognizing and honoring these cycles can prevent burnout and ensure long-term effectiveness in service.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 8:40

    But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

  • Acts 11:19

    ¶ Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

  • Acts 11:27

    ¶ And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

  • Acts 15:4

    And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and [of] the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

  • Acts 21:17

    And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

  • Acts 21:19

    And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

  • 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.
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