MPV Commentary

Paul and Barnabas Retrace Their Steps, Return to Antioch

They returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples and strengthening them in their faith. Paul's thoughts were not centered on an earthly home, but on revisiting the places where he had been reviled and persecuted, yet where he had left behind the disciples he had gathered. These believers needed building up and comforting in the midst of suffering, as well as permanent institutions to support them.

Undaunted by the dangers that awaited them, Paul and Barnabas returned to these churches, using words of encouragement that only the founders of a true religion would have dared to address to their earliest converts. They reminded them that entering the kingdom of God often requires passing through much tribulation.

When they had made a choice of elders for each church, superintending this process on behalf of the disciples, Paul and Barnabas prayed with fasting, setting these leaders apart in a solemn manner. This practice was consistent with their earlier ordination of elders (Acts 13:3).

They commended all these churches to the Lord Jesus.

After preaching the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia, a seaport on the Gulf of Pamphylia that drew trade from Egypt and Syria. From there, they sailed to Antioch, where they had been recommended by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:3).

When they gathered the church together, Paul and Barnabas gave a detailed report of all that God had done with them on their missionary journey. They recounted how God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, even those who were not previously proselytes.

They stayed in Antioch for a considerable time, likely around four or five years, before leaving to attend the council at Jerusalem.