Apostle Paul’s First Missionary Journey stands as one of the most important chapters in the history of early Christianity. Recorded in Acts 13–14, this remarkable journey marked the beginning of Paul’s organized missionary work beyond the established Christian communities of the time. Accompanied by Barnabas and, during the early stages, John Mark, Paul traveled across the eastern Mediterranean to proclaim the Gospel and establish new communities of believers. Their route took them from Antioch of Syria to Cyprus and onward into Asia Minor, where they visited cities such as Perga, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Throughout Apostle Paul’s First Missionary Journey, Paul and Barnabas encountered both enthusiastic acceptance and fierce opposition. They preached in synagogues, shared the Gospel with Gentiles, performed miracles, faced persecution, and strengthened the growing Christian communities they encountered. Their mission helped expand Christianity beyond its Jewish roots and laid important foundations for Paul’s later missionary journeys across the Roman world. Today, following the route of Paul offers Christians a fascinating opportunity to connect the biblical account with the ancient cities and landscapes where the events described in the Book of Acts actually took place.
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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).
This Antioch should not be confused with Pisidian Antioch, another city Paul would visit later. Antioch of Syria was a key hub for early Christianity, and from here, Paul set out to take the Gospel beyond Judea and Samaria (Acts 1:8).
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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).
Cyprus holds special significance as the first territory where Paul and Barnabas preached together. The conversion of Sergius Paulus, a Roman official, marked a major breakthrough in spreading Christianity to Gentiles.
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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).
The group traveled north to Pisidian Antioch, where Paul preached in the synagogue, demonstrating how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. Initially, many Jews and Gentiles accepted the message, but Jewish leaders opposed themout of jealousy (Acts 13:44-45).
This opposition became a pattern throughout Paul’s ministry. Despite being driven out, Paul and Barnabas boldly declared that salvation was now open to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46-48).
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🌍 Read More: Pamphylia in Ancient History
🖼️ Suggested Image: Ruins of an ancient synagogue in Pisidian Antioch.
Forced out of Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas traveled to Iconium (modern Konya, Turkey), where they preached boldly and performed signs and wonders.
As more people believed in Christ, Jewish opponents stirred up trouble. A plot to stone them was discovered, forcing Paul and Barnabas to flee (Acts 14:1-6).
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🌍 Further Reading: Iconium in Biblical History
🖼️ Suggested Image: A modern-day view of Konya (ancient Iconium).
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
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