The Inauguration of Gentile Evangelism: Paul's First Missionary Journey
The book of Acts stands as a powerful testament to the early church's explosive growth and the Spirit-led expansion of the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Central to this narrative are the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul, beginning with his inaugural expedition, which launched the Gentile world into the forefront of God's redemptive plan. This journey, primarily chronicled in Acts 13 and Acts 14, showcases the Holy Spirit's direction, the apostles' unwavering commitment, and the divine power that accompanied the preaching of the Word, despite intense opposition.
Commissioned by the Holy Ghost
The impetus for this groundbreaking journey originated not from human strategy, but from the direct command of the Holy Ghost within the bustling church at Antioch in Syria. This church, a vibrant hub of believers, including prophets and teachers like Barnabas, Simeon (called Niger), Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, and Saul himself, was engaged in fasting and prayer when the divine directive came:
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
This was a pivotal moment, signifying God's intention to send the Gospel beyond the traditional boundaries of Judaism. After further fasting and prayer, and laying their hands on Barnabas and Saul, the church sent them forth, acknowledging their divine appointment. John Mark, Barnabas's cousin, also accompanied them as their minister, or helper, indicating a team effort from the outset.
Cyprus: The First Fruits
Their first destination was the island of Cyprus, Barnabas's homeland. Landing at Salamis, they immediately began proclaiming the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, adhering to the pattern of reaching out to the Jewish people first. As they traversed the island, reaching Paphos, they encountered Sergius Paulus, the deputy of the country, "a prudent man." This Roman proconsul desired to hear the word of God, but his spiritual seeking was fiercely opposed by a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-jesus, also known as Elymas.
It was here that Saul, filled with the Holy Ghost, publicly rebuked Elymas, striking him with temporary blindness as a sign of God's power and judgment. This dramatic display convinced Sergius Paulus, who, "when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord." It is significant that from this point forward, the narrative primarily refers to Saul by his Roman name, Paul, marking a symbolic shift towards his ministry to the Gentiles. This episode underscored that the Gospel would not only be proclaimed but would also confront and conquer the spiritual darkness of the age.
Antioch of Pisidia: A Turning Point
From Cyprus, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia. It was there that John Mark departed from them and returned to Jerusalem, a decision that would later cause contention between Paul and Barnabas. Undeterred, Paul and Barnabas pressed on to Antioch of Pisidia. On the Sabbath day, they entered the synagogue, and after the reading of the law and the prophets, they were invited to speak. Paul seized this opportunity to deliver a comprehensive sermon, tracing God's redemptive plan from Israel's history to the coming of Jesus Christ. He declared:
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
This message resonated deeply with many, both Jews and devout proselytes, who followed Paul and Barnabas, desiring to hear more. The following Sabbath, almost the entire city gathered to hear the Word of God. However, the Jewish leaders, filled with envy, began to contradict and blaspheme. Paul and Barnabas, with bold resolve, then declared the pivotal shift in their ministry:
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
This declaration marked a significant turning point, openly embracing God's plan for Gentile inclusion. As a result, the Gentiles rejoiced, and "as many as were ordained to eternal life believed." The Word of the Lord was published throughout all the region, but the Jewish leaders stirred up persecution, expelling Paul and Barnabas from their borders. In response, they "shook off the dust of their feet against them," a symbolic act of judgment, and proceeded to Iconium.
Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe: Persecution and Perseverance
In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas again preached in the synagogue, resulting in a "great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed." Yet, the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles against the brethren. After a long time, an assault was planned to stone them, prompting them to flee to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia.
In Lystra, a remarkable miracle occurred: Paul healed a man lame from birth, who had never walked. Witnessing this, the people, steeped in paganism, exclaimed, "The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men!" They called Barnabas "Jupiter" and Paul "Mercurius" (Hermes), and the priest of Jupiter even brought oxen and garlands to offer sacrifice. Paul and Barnabas vehemently rejected this idolatry, tearing their clothes and crying out, directing the people to the living God who made heaven, earth, and sea, and all things.
Despite their clear testimony, Jewish agitators from Antioch and Iconium arrived, persuading the crowds. The fickle multitude, easily swayed, then turned on Paul, stoning him and dragging him out of the city, supposing he was dead. Yet, as the disciples stood around him, Paul miraculously rose up and entered the city, demonstrating divine protection and resilience. The next day, he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
In Derbe, they preached the Gospel and "had taught many," making disciples. This city seems to have been the extent of their outward journey, as they faced no recorded persecution there.
The Return Journey: Confirming and Appointing
Instead of taking a different route back, Paul and Barnabas courageously retraced their steps, returning through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia. Their purpose was clear: to strengthen the nascent churches and establish their leadership. They "confirmed the souls of the disciples, and exhorted them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." This was a crucial pastoral act, preparing new believers for the realities of Christian life.
Furthermore, they appointed elders in every church, a vital step in organizing and sustaining these new congregations. This demonstrated the apostolic commitment not just to evangelism, but to discipleship and church planting, ensuring that the work continued after their departure. They then passed through Pisidia, came to Pamphylia, preached the word in Perga, and descended to Attalia, from where they sailed back to Antioch in Syria.
Reporting to the Sending Church
Their journey concluded where it began, in Antioch of Syria. Gathering the church together, they recounted "all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." This report was not a boast of their own accomplishments, but a testimony to God's mighty hand. The inclusion of the Gentiles, a central theme throughout the journey, was the crowning glory of their report.
They remained in Antioch for a "long time with the disciples," resting from their arduous labors and preparing for future endeavors.
Enduring Legacy of the First Journey
Paul's First Missionary Journey was foundational for the spread of Christianity. It established several key principles:
- Divine Initiative: The mission was Spirit-led, not humanly conceived.
- Jewish-Gentile Outreach: The Gospel was offered to Jews first, but upon rejection, unequivocally turned to the Gentiles.
- Power of the Gospel: Miracles and conversions demonstrated the Gospel's truth and power.
- Perseverance in Persecution: The apostles modeled unwavering commitment despite severe opposition, including stoning.
- Church Planting and Leadership: New churches were established, and elders were appointed to shepherd the flock, ensuring continuity and order.
- God's Sovereign Plan: The journey powerfully illustrated God's intention to include all nations in His salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
This journey laid the groundwork for future missions, confirming that God's grace was indeed for all who would believe, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. It was a bold declaration of God's universal love and the unstoppable advance of His kingdom.