Strengthening What Was Started
[ READ ] Acts 14:21-28
21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch in Syria
24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.
Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch in Syria
24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.
I love when we have a “Mission Minute” at a Sunday Gathering. I am so inspired in my walk with Jesus when I hear from people who have literally disrupted their entire lives to serve the cause of Christ on the mission field. Paul and Barnabas must have had some real stories to tell back at their home church in Antioch, even if they didn’t have a media presentation to show the congregation!
- Chris Adomanis
- Chris Adomanis
[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ It appears Paul and Silas somewhat “retraced their steps” as they made their way back to Antioch. Why?
+ What do you make of the words used in verse 22 “we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God”? Share instances of hardships you have endured for the cause of Christ.
+ What do you make of the words used in verse 26, “they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed”? Share times where you believe you were committed by God to do something for the cause of Christ.
+ It appears Paul and Silas somewhat “retraced their steps” as they made their way back to Antioch. Why?
+ What do you make of the words used in verse 22 “we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God”? Share instances of hardships you have endured for the cause of Christ.
+ What do you make of the words used in verse 26, “they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed”? Share times where you believe you were committed by God to do something for the cause of Christ.
[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ I am convicted and challenged by the deep caring and determination shown by Paul and Barnabas in verses 21-23 for those they were trying to reach for Jesus. May we have such a heart to not only preach, but to disciple those we know at home, at work and in our neighborhoods!
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ I am convicted and challenged by the deep caring and determination shown by Paul and Barnabas in verses 21-23 for those they were trying to reach for Jesus. May we have such a heart to not only preach, but to disciple those we know at home, at work and in our neighborhoods!
[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, we exalt Your name because you alone are worthy to be praised and worshipped. We confess the times we have lacked determination in the preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Jesus to others. While we all are not called to the foreign mission field, may we take seriously our call to be disciple makers where we live, work and play. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen!
+ Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, we exalt Your name because you alone are worthy to be praised and worshipped. We confess the times we have lacked determination in the preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Jesus to others. While we all are not called to the foreign mission field, may we take seriously our call to be disciple makers where we live, work and play. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen!
[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ Who in your circle of influence needs to be “strengthened and encouraged to remain true to their faith”? Are you willing “to pray and fast, committing them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust”?
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ Who in your circle of influence needs to be “strengthened and encouraged to remain true to their faith”? Are you willing “to pray and fast, committing them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust”?
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