Apostle Paul’s First Missionary Journey

Paul’s First Missionary Journey: A Biblical Expedition

The first missionary journey of Paul, documented in Acts 13-14, played a key role in spreading Christianity to Gentiles. Accompanied by Barnabas, Paul traveled across Cyprus, Pamphylia, Phrygia, and Lycaonia, facing miraculous conversions and fierce opposition.

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Antioch: The Starting Point of Paul’s First Missionary Journey

The journey began in Antioch of Syria (modern Antakya, Turkey), a major city in the Roman Empire. Here, the Holy Spirit instructed the church to set apart Paul and Barnabas for missionary work (Acts 13:2-3).

It’s important to distinguish this Antioch from Pisidian Antioch, another city Paul would visit later.

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Cyprus: Paul’s First Stop on His Missionary Journey

Paul and Barnabas sailed from Seleucia to Salamis, Cyprus, where they preached in Jewish synagogues with John Mark assisting them.

As they traveled to Paphos, they encountered Elymas the sorcerer, an advisor to Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul. When Elymas tried to block their teachings, Paul rebuked him, causing him to become blind. Witnessing this, Sergius Paulus converted to Christianity (Acts 13:6-12).

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Pamphylia & Pisidian Antioch: Early Challenges of Paul’s First Missionary Journey

Leaving Cyprus, Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark arrived in Perga, Pamphylia (modern Turkey). Here, John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem, which later led to a dispute between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37-39).

Continuing to Pisidian Antioch, Paul preached in the synagogue, demonstrating how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. Many Jews and Gentiles accepted the message, but some Jewish leaders opposed them out of jealousy (Acts 13:44-45).

As opposition grew, Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles, fulfilling their divine mission (Acts 13:46-48).

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🌍 Read More: Pamphylia in Ancient History

🖼️ Suggested Image: Ruins of an ancient synagogue in Pisidian Antioch.

Phrygia & Iconium: Growing Opposition

Forced out of Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas traveled to Iconium (modern Konya, Turkey), where they preached boldly and performed signs and wonders.

However, Jewish opposition plotted to stone them, forcing them to flee to Lystra and Derbe (Acts 14:1-6).

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🌍 Further Reading: Iconium in Biblical History

🖼️ Suggested Image: A modern-day view of Konya (ancient Iconium).

Lycaonia: Miracles & Misunderstandings

In Lystra, Paul healed a crippled man, leading the crowd to believe he and Barnabas were gods in human form. They called Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes”, attempting to offer sacrifices.

Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes in distress, urging the people to worship the true God (Acts 14:8-15).

However, Jewish agitators from Antioch and Iconium turned the crowd against them. Paul was stoned and left for dead, but miraculously survived (Acts 14:19-20).

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🌍 History Link: Lycaonia in Antiquity

Derbe & The Journey Back to Antioch

In Derbe, Paul and Barnabas made many disciples before retracing their steps, strengthening the churches they had planted. They appointed elders in every city, ensuring the faith would continue to grow (Acts 14:21-23).

Before sailing back to Antioch of Syria, they stopped in Attalia, a significant Roman port (Acts 14:25). Though not detailed in Acts, it is likely that they shared the Gospel there as well.

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🌍 Read More: The Ancient Port of Attalia