Acts 14:21-28

Acts 14:21-28

 

    They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

 

    From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

 

Father, thank You for showing us how Paul and Barnabas wrapped up their first missionary venture. Thank You for their example of encouragement. Thank You for making it clear that the early church had to endure pain and trouble, and help us to be willing to endure because we know that being citizens in Your kingdom is worth it. Thank You for Paul and Barnabas’ example of prayer, fasting, and trust in You. Thank You for teaching us to be faithful to new believers by revisiting them and encouraging them in their faith. And thank You that such things are worth reporting to our friends – the believers who sent us out. May we have many opportunities to report such things to Your family and to rest with them, full of joy.