Acts 18:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 18:22 marks the conclusion of Paul's second missionary journey, detailing his strategic return to his sending church. After landing at the significant Roman port of Caesarea, Paul made an implied visit to Jerusalem to greet the mother church, before finally descending to Antioch in Syria, his spiritual home and the launching pad for his missionary endeavors. This verse underscores the apostle's commitment to accountability, fellowship, and the established structure of the early Christian community, setting the stage for his subsequent ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 18:22 serves as a pivotal transition point in the book of Acts, concluding Paul's second missionary journey (which began in [Acts 15:36](/acts/15-36 "Acts 15:36 - Paul and Barnabas Part Ways")). Prior to this verse, Paul had spent a significant period ministering in Corinth (Acts 18:1-18), followed by a brief but impactful stop in Ephesus (Acts 18:19-21), where he left Priscilla and Aquila. His departure from Ephesus in [Acts 18:21](/acts/18-21 "Acts 18:21 - Paul's Departure from Ephesus") explicitly states his intention to "keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem." Thus, Acts 18:22 describes the fulfillment of that intention and his subsequent return to Antioch, effectively bringing this extensive missionary tour to a close and preparing the narrative for his third journey.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The geographical sequence in Acts 18:22 is highly significant. Caesarea was a major Roman administrative and port city on the Mediterranean coast of Judea, serving as a vital gateway to Jerusalem. Its strategic importance is evident throughout Acts, notably as the place where Cornelius was converted in [Acts 10:1](/acts/10-1 "Acts 10:1 - Cornelius, a Centurion in Caesarea"). The phrase "gone up" (ἀναβαίνω) is a common biblical idiom referring to an ascent to Jerusalem, which is geographically situated at a higher elevation than Caesarea and most other surrounding areas. While not explicitly named, the visit to Jerusalem is strongly implied. Antioch in Syria, Paul's ultimate destination, was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire and a crucial center for early Christianity, serving as the primary sending church for Paul's missionary journeys, as detailed in [Acts 13:1-3](/acts/13-1-3 "Acts 13:1-3 - The Church in Antioch Commissions Paul and Barnabas"). This network of cities highlights the strategic and interconnected nature of the early church's expansion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it emphasizes the **cyclical nature of missionary work**, involving being sent out, ministering, and then returning to report and be refreshed. Secondly, it highlights the **importance of accountability and fellowship** within the early church, as Paul, despite his apostolic authority, consistently reported back to his sending church in Antioch and acknowledged the central role of the Jerusalem church. This practice reinforced the unity and interdependence of the various Christian communities. Lastly, the strategic travel and communication underscore the theme of **divine guidance and human partnership** in the spread of the Gospel, demonstrating how the early church operated as a cohesive body under God's direction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **landed (Greek, _katérchomai'_):** This verb signifies "to come down" or "to descend," often used specifically for disembarking from a ship. In this context, it precisely describes Paul's arrival by sea at Caesarea, marking the completion of the maritime portion of his journey.
* **gone up (Greek, _anabaínō'_):** Meaning "to go up" or "to ascend," this word is a critical geographical indicator. In the biblical world, "going up" almost invariably referred to ascending to Jerusalem, due to its elevated position. This word, therefore, strongly implies Paul's unrecorded but expected visit to the Jerusalem church after landing in Caesarea.
* **church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** Derived from a compound meaning "a calling out," this term refers to a popular meeting or, more specifically in the New Testament, a religious congregation or Christian community. Here, it denotes the assembly of believers in Jerusalem, emphasizing the communal and organized nature of early Christianity that Paul sought to connect with and report to.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had landed at Caesarea":** This phrase marks Paul's disembarkation from his ship at Caesarea, a major port city on the coast of Judea. It signifies the end of a significant leg of his journey by sea, bringing him back to the land of Israel.
* **"and gone up":** This is a crucial, geographically specific idiom. While Jerusalem is not explicitly named, the act of "going up" from the coastal plain of Caesarea almost certainly refers to an ascent to Jerusalem, which is situated in the Judean hills at a much higher elevation. This implies a visit to the mother church there.
* **"and saluted the church":** This action indicates Paul's formal greeting and acknowledgment of the Christian community. Given the preceding "gone up," this "church" is understood to be the church in Jerusalem, where the apostles and elders resided. It highlights Paul's respect for the foundational church and his practice of reporting on his missionary endeavors.
* **"he went down to Antioch":** Following his visit to Jerusalem, Paul then descended (geographically) to Antioch in Syria. This was his home base, the church that had commissioned him for his missionary journeys. His return signifies the completion of his mission and a period of rest and reporting before future endeavors.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Implication** as a key literary device, particularly in the phrase "gone up." Luke, the author of Acts, does not explicitly name Jerusalem, yet the geographical context and common biblical usage strongly imply a visit to the central church there. This narrative choice suggests that such a visit was so customary or expected that it did not require explicit mention. Furthermore, there is **Geographical Symbolism** in the movements described: "landing" (arrival), "going up" (to the spiritual center), and "going down" (to the sending base). These directional verbs not only describe physical travel but also subtly convey the hierarchical and relational dynamics within the early Christian movement. The verse also functions as a **Narrative Transition**, effectively closing the account of Paul's second missionary journey and setting the stage for his subsequent activities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 18:22, though brief, is rich in theological implications. It underscores the profound importance of the church as a unified body, even across vast geographical distances. Paul's actions demonstrate a deep commitment to accountability, not merely to human leaders, but to the divine commission given to the church. His reporting back to both the Jerusalem church (implied) and his sending church in Antioch signifies that ministry is not an individualistic pursuit but a communal endeavor, undergirded by shared vision and mutual support. This practice reinforces the idea that all Christian service flows from and returns to the gathered people of God, fostering transparency, encouragement, and strategic planning for the ongoing mission of the Gospel.

* [Acts 15:4](/acts/15-4 "Acts 15:4 - Paul and Barnabas Report to the Church")
* [Romans 15:25-26](/romans/15-25-26 "Romans 15:25-26 - Paul's Trip to Jerusalem with an Offering")
* [1 Corinthians 16:3](/1_corinthians/16-3 "1 Corinthians 16:3 - Paul's Plan for the Collection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 18:22 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers and ministries. Paul's diligent return to report and connect with the church highlights the enduring value of accountability. In an age that often prioritizes individual achievement, Paul's example reminds us that our service is part of a larger, interconnected body. We are called not only to "go out" and minister but also to "return" and share, allowing our experiences to enrich the community and to receive refreshment and renewed vision. This cyclical pattern of ministry, rest, and reporting is crucial for long-term effectiveness and spiritual health, preventing burnout and fostering a sense of shared ownership in the mission. Furthermore, Paul's commitment to both the Jerusalem church and his sending church in Antioch emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong ties with one's spiritual home and acknowledging the broader body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry do I need to cultivate greater accountability to my spiritual community or leaders?**
* **How does my engagement with my local church reflect Paul's commitment to "saluting the church" and returning to his spiritual home?**
* **Am I honoring the necessary rhythms of ministry, rest, and reflection, or am I constantly "on the go"?**

### FAQ

**Why is Jerusalem not explicitly mentioned in Acts 18:22, despite the strong implication?**

Answer: Luke, the author of Acts, often uses concise language and assumes certain geographical and cultural understandings of his audience. The phrase "gone up" (ἀναβαίνω) was a common biblical idiom for ascending to Jerusalem, which is geographically situated at a higher elevation than Caesarea and the coastal plain. For a first-century reader, this phrase alone would have strongly implied a visit to Jerusalem. Luke's narrative style often focuses on the most significant or unique events, and Paul's brief, perhaps routine, visit to the Jerusalem church to report on his journey may have been considered a standard practice that didn't require explicit naming. This brief stop aligns with Paul's stated intention in [Acts 18:21](/acts/18-21 "Acts 18:21 - Paul's Departure from Ephesus") to "keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem" and underscores the continued significance of Jerusalem as the mother church, as seen in events like the [Jerusalem Council in Acts 15](/acts/15-6 "Acts 15:6 - The Jerusalem Council Begins").

**What was the significance of Paul returning to Antioch after his missionary journey?**

Answer: Antioch in Syria held immense significance for Paul and the early Christian movement. It was the primary sending church for Paul's missionary endeavors, as detailed in [Acts 13:1-3](/acts/13-1-3 "Acts 13:1-3 - The Church in Antioch Commissions Paul and Barnabas"), where he and Barnabas were commissioned. Returning to Antioch was not merely a geographical endpoint but a spiritual and strategic necessity. It served as Paul's "home base" – a place for rest, fellowship, and reporting. His return allowed him to share the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from his extensive travels, providing vital information and encouragement to the church that had sent him out. This practice reinforced the principle of accountability within the early church and allowed for collective reflection and planning for future ministry, demonstrating the vital partnership between missionaries and their sending congregations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 18:22, though detailing Paul's journey, subtly points to Christ in its emphasis on mission, accountability, and the church. Paul's diligent return to "salute the church" and report on his labors mirrors the ultimate mission and accountability of Christ Himself. Just as Paul was sent out by the church in Antioch, Christ was sent by the Father to accomplish His redemptive work on earth, a mission He perfectly fulfilled (e.g., [John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). Paul's commitment to the church, both in Jerusalem and Antioch, reflects Christ's profound love for His body, the church, for which He gave His life (e.g., [Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ Loved the Church")). The act of "saluting the church" foreshadows Christ's ongoing relationship with His people, as He is the Head of the Church, continually interceding for and building up His body (e.g., [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church")). Furthermore, Paul's cyclical pattern of being sent out, ministering, and returning to report can be seen as an earthly echo of Christ's Great Commission, where He sends His disciples into the world and promises His presence until the very end, ultimately gathering them to Himself (e.g., [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, Paul's journey is not just a historical account but a living illustration of Christ's ongoing work through His redeemed community.

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 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.