Paul’s First Missionary Journey is documented in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly in the Book of Acts, chapters 13 and 14. Here’s a summary of how it began and ended:
- Beginning of the Journey:
The First Missionary Journey of Paul began in the city of Antioch in Syria. Paul, accompanied by Barnabas and John Mark, was appointed and sent out by the church in Antioch. They embarked on their journey around AD 46-47.
The team first traveled to the island of Cyprus, where they proclaimed the Word of God in synagogues and encountered a sorcerer named Elymas (also known as Bar-Jesus). Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked Elymas for his opposition and temporary blindness came upon him. This incident led to the proconsul Sergius Paulus, who witnessed it, coming to faith in Christ.
- Ministry in Asia Minor (Galatia):
After leaving Cyprus, Paul and his companions sailed to the region of Pamphylia, located in modern-day Turkey. From there, they traveled through various cities in the region of Galatia, including Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.
In each city, they visited the synagogues first, preaching the Gospel to the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. However, they faced opposition from some Jews who were jealous and opposed their teachings. Despite the challenges, many Gentiles believed in the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
- Persecution and Miracles:
Paul and Barnabas encountered persecution and hostility during their journey. In Iconium, they narrowly escaped a plot to stone them, so they fled to Lystra and Derbe. In Lystra, Paul healed a man who had been lame from birth, which led the local people to believe that Paul and Barnabas were gods. Paul and Barnabas quickly corrected this misconception and emphasized that they were mere servants of the living God.
- Return to Antioch:
After completing their ministry in Lystra and Derbe, Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps, revisiting the cities they had previously preached in. They appointed elders in the churches they had established, providing leadership and guidance for the new believers. Finally, they returned to the city of Antioch in Syria, where their journey had begun.
In Antioch, they gathered with the church and shared the news of how God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. They stayed in Antioch for some time, continuing to teach and strengthen the believers.
Overall, Paul’s First Missionary Journey laid the foundation for the spread of Christianity to the Gentiles, and it served as a model for subsequent missionary endeavors.