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.

And thence {G2547} sailed {G636} to {G1519} Antioch {G490}, from whence {G3606} they had been {G2258} recommended {G3860} to the grace {G5485} of God {G2316} for {G1519} the work {G2041} which {G3739} they fulfilled {G4137}.

the place where they had been handed over to the care of God for the work which they had now completed.

From Attalia they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had just completed.

and thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled.

Commentary

Commentary on Acts 14:26 (KJV)

Acts 14:26 marks a significant moment in the narrative of the early church, detailing the return of Paul and Barnabas to their home church in Antioch after completing their first missionary journey. This verse highlights the divine enablement and endorsement that characterized their apostolic work.

Context

Having traversed vast regions, preaching the Gospel, establishing churches, and appointing elders in cities like Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas conclude this monumental journey. Their return to Syrian Antioch was not merely a homecoming but a critical step in reporting back to the church that had commissioned them. This city was their departure point, where they were initially sent out by the church with prayer and fasting, signifying the church's spiritual investment in their mission.

Key Themes

  • Divine Commissioning and Grace: The phrase "recommended to the grace of God" is central. It emphasizes that their mission was not undertaken by human strength or initiative alone, but was empowered and sustained by God's unmerited favor. This grace was both the foundation of their calling and the enabling power for their arduous work.
  • Accountability and Reporting: Their return to Antioch underscores the principle of accountability within the early Christian community. They were sent by the church, and they returned to share what God had done through them, reinforcing the communal nature of ministry.
  • Completion of Work: The phrase "the work which they fulfilled" speaks to their faithfulness and diligence in completing the task God had given them. Despite facing severe persecution, including stoning and numerous hardships, they persevered to accomplish their mission. This signifies a successful and divinely-guided endeavor.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "recommended" here is paradidomi (παραδίδωμι), which means "to hand over, entrust, commit." It implies that Paul and Barnabas were not just blessed by God's grace, but were actively *entrusted* to it, indicating that God's grace was the very agency through which they operated. This highlights the profound dependence on divine power in their ministry. The term "fulfilled" (plēroun - πληροῦν) signifies bringing something to completion or full measure, emphasizing the successful accomplishment of their mission.

Practical Application

Acts 14:26 offers several timeless lessons for believers and churches today:

  • Reliance on God's Grace: All Christian service and ministry must be rooted in and sustained by God's grace. Our efforts are effective only as we are empowered by His strength and favor, not our own abilities.
  • Importance of the Sending Church: The verse highlights the vital role of the local church in commissioning, supporting, and receiving missionaries or those engaged in specific ministries. Churches are called to pray for, send, and then celebrate the work of their members.
  • Faithfulness in Service: Paul and Barnabas completed the work they were given, serving as models of perseverance and faithfulness. Believers are called to be diligent in fulfilling the unique tasks and callings God places before them.
  • Reporting and Sharing God's Work: Just as Paul and Barnabas reported back, there is value in sharing testimonies of God's faithfulness and what He has accomplished through ministry. This builds faith, encourages the church, and gives glory to God.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 15:40 (5 votes)

    And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

  • Acts 11:19 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:12 (3 votes)

    ¶ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

  • Acts 11:26 (3 votes)

    And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

  • Acts 13:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

  • Acts 13:3 (3 votes)

    And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid [their] hands on them, they sent [them] away.

  • Romans 15:19 (3 votes)

    Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.